Despite those cup defeats, it shouldn't be forgotten what a cracking season City are enjoying. It certainly hasn't been forgotten at the other Carrington.

Our cross-town rivals have the chance to pull level at the top of the Barclays Premier League today, but the pace the Blues have set is being acknowledged from that direction.

As Paul Wilson observes in the Guardian: "Sir Alex Ferguson has paid tribute to Manchester City's phenomenal start to the league campaign, describing their results in the first half of the season as one of the best performances in a long, long time."

He quotes United's boss: "The main difference I can see this season is that City have amassed a bigger points total than Chelsea or Arsenal would normally have managed by this stage.

"Their first half of the season was fantastic, and the way it's going we could be looking at something approaching 90 points to win this league.

"It could certainly be a number in the high 80s, and that is surprising really, because in recent seasons more teams have been taking points off each other.

"Points will be dropped along the way. I am sure we will be dropping a few too, because we have got a hard programme of games away from home. There's a long way to go yet."

City of course must wait until Monday night to chase more points at Wigan's DW Stadium - never an easy ask, even if their manager does mention you in glowing terms alongside Barcelona.

Well, he is Spanish, so he should know, right?

Here's the take at tribalfootball.com: "Wigan Athletic boss Roberto Martinez feels Manchester City's squad has better depth than BARCELONA!

Martinez believes City's depth in midfield creators gives them the edge on the European champs

"He explained: 'You need to remember that in any system you will have key players — and at Manchester City David Silva has been outstanding.

"'At Barcelona the key man is obviously Messi and at Real Madrid you have Ronaldo. There are not too many options for those teams if those players get injured — but that is not the case with City.

"'In Samir Nasri they have another outstanding player who can fill the Silva role. And if you look at their squad they have two or three players to cover every position. That’s why I feel they are in a better position to kick on than even Barca were.'"

Hmmm. That wouldn't be Roberto playing mind games with Roberto, would it? Perish the thought ....