The man who stands between Manchester City and a second Premier League title in three seasons insists Manuel Pellegrini’s men will have no easy ride in Sunday’s final game of the campaign.
West Ham goalkeeper Adrian has warned City to expect a ‘very tough match’ as they set about trying to earn the point which will most likely bring the Premier League trophy back to the Etihad Stadium after a year away.
Barring a Liverpool victory by 13 goals, a draw will be enough for Pellegrini’s side to pinch the trophy from their neighbours, and they will be buoyed by their convincing victory over the same opponents in the Capital One Cup in January.
Sam Allardyce’s charges were thumped 6-0 on their last trip to the Etihad Stadium and are again expected to suffer at the hands of free-scoring City, who reached 100 Premier League goals in midweek.
But Adrian insists the Hammers will be looking to upset the title race and sign off with a win against the champions-elect.
“Although we’re safe, we have pride. We’re professionals and go into this game looking to finish the season with a win,” Adrian told The Sun.
Best quotes from the 2013/14 Premier League season
"No doubt it’s going to be a very tough match.
“But this game is very different to the defeat in the Capital One Cup because City have that pressure of needing a result to win the title.
“And we’re now safe – we want to sign off with a result for our loyal fans and ourselves.”
West Ham have kept six clean sheets since their cup defeat to Manchester City and Adrian is confident his back-line will stay strong and look to hit City on the counter.
He added: “City have a great squad with good attacking players like (Edin) Dzeko, (Alvaro) Negredo, Sergio Aguero, Samir Nasri and (David) Silva.”
“Yet we have proved this season that when we work very hard, which has happened on a number of occasions, we can keep clean sheets.
“We train every day this style – to be strong and united in defence and then counter attack and be good at set-plays.”
