Edin Dzeko and Pablo Zabaleta claim Manchester City have learned from previous QPR scare as they close in on title

  • Pair admit that QPR game from 2012 will help guard against complacency
  • Edin Dzeko double helped breakdown stubborn Aston Villa side in 4-0 win
  • Manager Manuel Pellegrini told players to remain calm at half-time
  • Manchester City will win second title in three years if they beat West Ham

 

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Edin Dzeko and Pablo Zabaleta have admitted Manchester City are better prepared than ever to claim the Premier League title on the final day of the season.

After going top of the table following a 4-0 win over Aston Villa on Wednesday night, City are strong favourites to claim a second championship in three years.

Manuel Pellegrini's team will win the title if they defeat West Ham at home on Sunday, but Dzeko was keen to point out that complacency would not strike again for City, who famously came close to throwing away the league crown at home against QPR two years ago.

Singing in the rain: Edin Dzeko celebrates firing Manchester City ahead in the second half against Aston Villa

Singing in the rain: Edin Dzeko celebrates firing Manchester City ahead in the second half against Aston Villa

Edin for victory: Dzeko scored twice in a 4-0 win for Manchester City against Villa

Edin for victory: Dzeko scored twice in a 4-0 win for Manchester City against Villa

Only two late goals gave City the win they needed over the Hoops to claim the title and the Bosnian is adamant that Manuel Pellegrini's team are better prepared to grab a result this time around.

'We have to concentrate,' Dzeko told Sky Sports. 'We did our job today, now we have to rest and take it more than seriously last game.

'We will do our best. I want to say thanks to our fans and I hope they are as good as today on Sunday. We have experience from two years ago when everyone thought we would win against QPR. Now we go into that game differently and hope to win early.

City looked to be struggling for a long time in the win over Villa, until Dzeko opened the scoring in the 64th minute before grabbing another eight minutes later.

Despite toiling for long periods, Dzeko admitted Pellegrini kept calm at half-time and encouraged his side to not panic and wait for the chances to come.

Job well done: Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini congratulates Dzeko after the striker was substituted

Job well done: Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini congratulates Dzeko after the striker was substituted

Fired up: Pablo Zabaleta played a key role in helping assist City's opening goal

Fired up: Pablo Zabaleta played a key role in helping assist City's opening goal

Not again, surely? Sergio Aguero's injury time strike against QPR famously won Manchester City the 2012 title

Not again, surely? Sergio Aguero's injury time strike against QPR famously won Manchester City the 2012 title

'I think we played good first half and we produced some good chances. There was no space in behind them and then at half-time, the manager said be calm and we will get where we want to be.

'When the team defend with 10 players in the box, its always about the first goal. They opened a little bit and we scored another, then another. The result looks like it was easy but it was hard work.'

Team-mate Zabaleta also reflected Dzeko's comments, citing that final day opponents West Ham would still prove a difficult team to beat.

'I think it was a difficult game. We knew before Villa would play 10 men behind the ball and if you don't score early it can be difficult.

'The second half was key, we controlled the game and found space. After we scored the first goal it was a different game. We know we still have one game to play but it was important to win.

'It's a massive step forward. We have one game to play and I think we have experience from two years ago against QPR. West Ham are safe but they have good playeres and it's going to be tough. We need to relax and rest. Team spirit is great and we have been working hard.'






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