Now for the tricky part...

A few weeks ago I was not alone in writing Manchester City off, and handing the title to United.  With an 8 point lead I simply could see no way that an Alex Ferguson side were going to do anything other than see out the remaining games and clinch yet another title.  Indeed, at that point in time, I'd have put a lot of money on United winning it at the Etihad of all places.

The subsequent events show that firstly I should never be trusted with any kind of financial investment (but my stupidly fixed rate mortgage was proof enough of that) but also that with football you just never know.

As it turned out, United managed to drop 5 of their next 9 available points, meaning ahead of last night's derby, City could draw level on points with a victory - closing up the 8 point gap entirely and even reclaiming the lead on goal difference.

Their 1-0 victory, fully deserved, has indeed seen them overhaul United and regain their place right on top of the pile.  The victory is cause enough for celebration - I'd argue also that Alex Ferguson's approach and selection is another notch for City.  Very rarely has Ferguson ever set out a team with deference to his opponent, very rarely has the game plan been to all but park the bus.  I'm thinking of Barcelona, AC Milan in Kaka's prime...maybe once or twice against Arsenal - but always United have had a swagger and approach that suggested they back themselves to go toe to toe with whoever they face, to score goals and to compete.  A couple of years ago it is unthinkable that Fergie would have paid such heed to the threat posed by City, lowly City, and he would simply have taken his usual game plan and trusted it to be enough.

The attempted containment was understandable of course, a draw would have seen United firmly in the driving seat...and it almost worked.  City had by far the better of the game and created numerous opportunities, but in the end it was only Vincent Kompany's towering header that separated the two.

A deserved victory for the Citizens, no doubt, and one which I am sure was celebrated long into the Manchester night.  And so it should be, it's not every day you get to do the double over your fiercest rivals and it is probably never that it has been in such pivotal circumstances.  However, I'd urge a note of caution and restraint to the City fans and players who may have gotten a little carried away last night.

This was a huge game to win, without the victory they could forget about the title.  So they have achieved something massive; but they have also achieved nothing at all, yet.  The title is awarded after 38 games only...and City have a mammoth task ahead of them to still be there in 180 minutes time.

Newcastle away, chasing Champions League football; followed by QPR at home, fighting relegation.  Not quite the mid-table already on holiday pushovers that you would want, and indeed that United are up against in Swansea and Sunderland.  They won't face easy games then, but that is only a part of the challenge.

For me, by far the biggest hurdle for City to overcome now is within themselves.  Chasing down what may seem like a hopeless cause is one thing.  There is pressure, sure, but not of the most intense kind - when 8 points back from United they could play with the abandon that comes from knowing it is probably futile so we may as well just play our normal game and hope for the best.  They have been excellent and clinical in that chase, but now they are running to stay ahead, not to catch up.

Usain Bolt will probably set another world record in London...but he will face a better chance of doing so if his rivals can push him to the line.  It's natural once you get ahead to ease up - nothing but clear track in front of you does not provide the same spur or incentive as the heels of your competitor.

City now must retain the intensity, the focus, and the level of performance knowing that they are not chasing anyone...but they are chasing glory itself.  2 wins will see them as champions.  Anything less and they will most likely be forced to settle for second best, which would be horrible having taken control so near to the finish line.  The fear of how close you have come, and how painful it would be to throw away can have such a crippling effect - quite the opposite from the carefree approach to a football match in which your fate is seen to be out of your hands.

To borrow a line from the infamous Wernham Hogg kettle throwing challenge..."This is the real quiz."  Manchester City may think they've done the hard bit, but getting there is one thing.  Staying there for the next two games of football, that's the real challenge.

If City do go on and win it now, taking all 6 of their remaining points, they will be without doubt worthy champions.  What's more, they'll have demonstrated the mental strength and winning resolve that would surely have them installed as favourites for many years to come.