Manchester City Will Be A Challenge

Michael Owen is in no doubt Manchester City will be among the leading lights in the Premier League this season. Owen is still basking in the glow of scoring a dramatic late stoppage-time winner in the derby at Old Trafford yesterday. The goal, his first for his new club on their historic home ground, ended a tumultuous afternoon, the after-effects of which could rumble on all week, with both Manchester United and Craig Bellamy in the dock over a pitch invasion, coin throwing incident and confrontation with a fan. But when the dust finally settles, there will be a general acceptance that City went toe-to-toe with their illustrious neighbours and were within seconds of claiming a morale-boosting draw. Owen knows it, most United fans sense it and the reactions of Gary Neville and Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed it. City are going to be a force. "Manchester City have been quite impressive since the start of the season," said the former Liverpool striker. "You would think they will be up at the right end of the table. "Everyone is guessing how far up the table that is. Whether it is a European place or a Champions League place I am not sure. But I definitely think they will be up there."