Former Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna has been crucial for Manchester City so far this season and the France international is backing his current club to upset all the odds in the title race.

Currently back in fourth place, very few are counting the Citizens in the title race. There are just nine games to make up the gap to Leicester City now, and Spurs (five points from the top) and Arsenal (eight) are more likely to catch the Foxes than Manuel Pellegrini’s men.

A win on Saturday saw City make up two points on Arsenal and Tottenham, who drew in the north London derby, but there’s a long way to go yet and Bacary Sagna is convinced City can make up ground.

“It was very important because we were coming off three defeats – especially two at home – so we had to step up and show we’re still fighting for the title,” the French defender said.

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Bacary Sagna is not counting Manchester City out of the title race just yet. (IKIMAGES/AFP/Getty Images)

“It’s a strange season because everyone is dropping points and until the end of the season will continue to drop points. We have to focus on our team and we have to stay consistent. I think consistency will be the key if we want to catch Leicester.”

You wouldn’t expect Sagna and his teammates to give in, but Arsenal will be hoping they are out of the race by May and have little to play for when the Gunners go to the Etihad Stadium.

If both teams still have a chance when they meet on the 37th matchday, well, expect fireworks.