Derby is not THE game of City's season!

ARSENAL DOUBLE-HEADER MORE IMPORTANT IN TITLE RACE, INSISTS LESCOTT

- SIMON BAJKOWSKI

CITY have bigger games than the derby to win if they are to defend their Premier League title, according to Joleon Lescott.

The fixture against United remains the biggest in the calendar for most Blues because of the rivalry between the two teams, but the Reds' fall in standards since Sir Alex Ferguson's departure means the games have taken on less importance in the Premier League.

City have lost just two of the last 10 meetings between the sides at Old Trafford.

A rejuvenated United under Erik Ten Hag could move to within a point of the Blues in the table with victory this afternoon, yet Pep Guardiola's team are still looking up to chase Arsenal down rather than worrying about who is behind them.

City need the win more if they are to press on for the title, yet their recent record gives them enough of an aura and respect that they are still seen as favourites for the title, even when they are five points behind.

With the Blues still yet to play Arsenal twice in the league as they try to make up a five-point gap at the top, the clashes with the Gunners could well be more significant than today's encounter in deciding whether the trophy ends up in Manchester or London.

"For the fans the derby is still the most important in terms of pride, but for the bigger picture the biggest game is against the team that is most competitive in the league," said Lescott.

"Today is definitely a game they will want to win in terms of what it means. I don't know if I'm speaking out of turn but if you asked the fans whether they would want to win the derby or the Arsenal game I don't know what they would say.