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What are your views on the race to be crowned champions of England? Is it already game over or will we see another late surge from Roberto Mancini's side?

DEBATE

Manchester City’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool was a highly entertaining affair on Sunday afternoon, but it ultimately left the Premier League champions even further off the pace in the title race.

Edin Dzeko and Sergio Aguero were on target for Roberto Mancini’s men but impressive strikes from Daniel Sturridge and Steven Gerrard meant they dropped two further points.

On Saturday, Wayne Rooney scored the only goal of the game to give Manchester United a vital 1-0 victory over Fulham.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s men, powered by the likes of Rooney and new signing Robin van Persie, have looked impressive this season and have won 20 of their 25 Premier League matches to date.

With just 13 games to go before the season reaches its conclusion in May, United enjoy a nine-point advantage over City and currently have a better goal difference.

They also have the momentum, in their last 10 games United have won eight and drawn two, while City have suffered two defeats – including the derby loss to United - and drawn their last two games against QPR and now Liverpool.

So, as we now enter the final, vital phase of the season – can we say that the title race is now a foregone conclusion?

Are United, powered by their nine-point lead, Van Persie’s goals and Sir Alex’s leadership, simply looking too strong?

Or are City capable of hauling in the gap and becoming champions for the second season in a row?

Last year, United let a large lead slip in the final weeks of the season and the two sides still have to play each other at Old Trafford, the scene of City’s famous 6-1 win in the last campaign.

United also have the distraction of the Champions League, something City do not have to worry about after their exit from the competition, but Sir Alex is unlikely to allow his charges to become complacent in the domestic games for a second year running.

What do the closing weeks of this season have in store?

HAVE YOUR SAY
Do you think the Premier League title race is as good as over? Can Manchester City launch a late charge to defend their crown or have they now left it too late? Have your say on our Facebook and Twitter pages as well as in the comments section below.