• Premier League

Kompany excited by title duel with United

ESPN staff
December 27, 2011
Manchester City found their route to goal blocked by West Brom © PA Photos
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Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany is relishing the prospect of a duel for the title with arch-rivals Manchester United.

The two Manchester clubs are now level at the top of the Premier League after leaders City were held to a goalless draw at West Brom and United thrashed Wigan. City's goal difference is still five better but even that is a diminished figure after successive 5-0 wins from the champions.

The warnings from Old Trafford are clear but Kompany is all the more excited about a title race he expects to be tight right to the end. The Belgium defender said: "We knew it would be close, there was no doubt that would be the case. We just need to pick up the points we should pick up. It is going to be an interesting second half to the season.

"To be honest, I wouldn't have liked anyone else to be battling for the title with. It is United - a good way to battle for the title. Hopefully it would give a special flavour to that trophy if we could bring it home.''

City lacked their usual bite at The Hawthorns as, after scoring 53 goals in their first 17 games, they were shut out for the first time this season. Yet they still had a number of chances to take a grip on the game and Kompany was not concerned about the performance.

The 25-year-old said: "I thought we had a decent game. I have seen far worse performances coming to places like this. I think we were just unlucky we didn't score that goal.''

Mario Balotelli went closest for City when he hit the bar from long range early in the second half. The Italian earlier had a goal disallowed for offside and saw a free-kick into the wall bobble wide.

West Brom were starved of possession at times but they were well organised in defence and made the most of the ball when they had it. Kompany said: "Their defending was brilliant as well and you have got to give credit to them. You always encounter teams like this during a season, who on a good day can bring a lot of trouble to you. I am not bitter about it. Credit is due where credit is due and we had chances.''

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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