Johnson: I’ll be devastated if City don’t win title

ADAM JOHNSON has admitted he would be devastated if Manchester City failed to win the Premier League title this season.

City have been on top ever since they romped to that amazing 6-1 win over Manchester United in October.

They retained the edge during a minor wobble over Christmas and have now opened up a three-point advantage over Manchester United and currently sit five ahead of Tottenham, who visit the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

And, while manager Roberto Mancini keeps stressing he will not know exactly how his team are placed until Yaya Toure returns from African Nations Cup duty in the middle of next month, Johnson concedes from this position, failure does not bear thinking about.

“I would be devastated if we didn’t win it,” said the former Middlesbrough winger.

“Most of lads are not thinking about it but we are three points clear, so from this position, it would be devastating not to do it.”

Johnson conceded victory on Sunday would put City in a very strong position to repel a Tottenham side who seem to have become many neutrals’ favourites to become champions, even though it is 1968 since the Blues last won it.

“Maybe because we have spent so much money, people think we are trying to buy the title,” he said.

“Tottenham are the team who have nothing to lose and all the pressure is on United and City.

“But the pressure is on whoever is up there to sustain it.

“If Tottenham do that, there will be massive pressure on them.

“In the last four or five games, when things are still tight, that is when we can see who will hold their nerve.

“If we win the title we will have deserved it. We have top class players but we have to play 38 games. We have to try and win every one. Hopefully in May I will be saying that we did it.”

Johnson has not always agreed with Mancini’s team selections, which have frequently reduced him to the status of bit-part player.

However, as one of Mancini’s first signings two years ago, the 24-year-old is uniquely place to assess the impact Mancini has had on the Blues.

And, while his behaviour on the touchline is under scrutiny, not least by the Football Association, who will be monitoring for imaginary card waving this weekend, Johnson claims when Mancini does let fly, it is only through an intense desire to succeed.

“Roberto is eager for team to do well,” said Johnson. “He is very emotional as you can see by his actions.

“But he is the same with players, good or bad.

“He has a temper and whilst he doesn’t have a United-style hairdryer, the fact is people have arguments. It is part of football.”

Meanwhile Luka Modric has insisted Tottenham will go on the attack in Sunday’s mouthwatering title showdown.

Spurs travel to the Etihad Stadium five points adrift of Premier League leaders City and knowing victory would put them back within striking range of Roberto Mancini’s men.

Even more is at stake this season than the corresponding fixture in 2010 and 2011, when Champions League qualification was on the line.

Tottenham won at City two years ago to reach Europe’s premier club competition for the first time, a feat that was emulated by their opponents 12 months later courtesy of a revenge victory.

Both sides look strong favourites to qualify for next season’s Champions League, with the title now the obvious target.

“It’s a great game,” Tottenham midfielder Modric said. “In the last two seasons, we’ve played in massive games there.

“I hope we’ll do well and maybe win — why not? We will go there in a positive frame of mind and try to win. We do that against every opponent.”