After taking only one point from the games against Arsenal and Everton, Manchester City’s title challenge has taken a severe setback.

Manchester City’s own failings were compounded further by rivals Chelsea’s heavy win over Swansea City, putting 5 past the Welsh side. Manuel Pellegrini has also publicly stressed the importance of the Chelsea gam eto MAnchester City’s title hopes.

Yes, it is only January and far too earlier to panic in earnest. But the signs right now are not good at all. With the match against Chelsea looming, City are going into it 5 points behind, but more importantly City are going into it after some pretty dismal performances.

this recent blip is recoverable

If Arsenal of all teams can shut Manchester City out, and limit their efforts on goal so effectively, just think what the game against Chelsea will look like next week. Unless there is a real injection of urgency into the side, as well as a tightening up at the back, it could get a little embarrassing.

But, this is a Manchester City side that lost the title in November, yet were still joint top of the table in the New Year. A win at Chelsea doesn’t put them top of the table, but it certainly puts them in the chase, and bringing the gap back to 2 points means one slip up and Manchester City can take advantage quickly. A loss however, and it begins to look like a very different story, and a draw would not be that much better.

If Manchester City were to lose to Chelsea, widening the gap to 8 points, you would be hard pressed to find many confident of retaining the title. Chelsea this season are not a team who will throw away a lead of that size at the business end of the season.

Essentially, this recent blip is recoverable. Unfortunately, this is going to have to be an immediate turnaround for City against the toughest opponents possible. Win and its all to play for, lose and you may as well say farewell to defending the title this year.