PEP'S CHAMPS NEARLY BLUE IT

Big win...but still a shadow of old selves

- Simon Mullock

AT least Manchester City fans have the consolation of knowing this season could have been worse. They could support Man United.

Chants about winning the Treble and being champions again have been replaced by songs advising their biggest rivals to mind the gap.

It currently stands at 12 points – with United set to face rampant Liverpool at Anfield today.

Ruben Amorim has even been nicknamed Ruben Interim by the comedians in the Etihad’s South Stand.

While the Blues are enduring their worst season since Roberto Mancini finished fifth 15 years ago, at least they still have a challenge for the top four as well as the resumption of the Champions League before the painful business of handing back the Premier League trophy.