Former manager gives City some big credit

Former Manchester City boss Joe Royle has hailed the club for their improvement this season.

The Eastlands outfit had targeted finishing in the top four, and they are currently the favourites to do so as they lead fifth-placed Tottenham by four points with five games to go.

Now the former boss has predicted that City are soon going to achieve much bigger things, and told talkSPORT: "I think they are having a terrific season and I think there is so much more to come. Them, along with Tottenham, are the two big improvers in the Premier League.

"You look at the sides above them. United are not having a vintage season, Chelsea are not quite the Chelsea of a couple of years ago and there are still defensive questions with Arsenal. They are the springers Tottenham and Man City and next season could be even bigger for them."

City could also break a silverware drought that has lasted well over three decades, as they play Stoke City in the final of the FA Cup.

"Their big target for this season was Champions League for next year and they’re in prime position now to do that," Royle added. "To add a cup of course will really set the blood flowing. They’re flying at City."