Bolton Or Bust

After a spectacular week for the Blues, consisting of back to back victories against 'big four' opposition in Arsenal and Chelsea, fans will be forgiven if they still have their heads high in the clouds.

The manner in which Mark Hughes' side crushed the Gunners, before snuffing out the league leaders, proved to everyone what Manchester City is capable of producing when they have the desire to win.

Whilst this is indeed a positive, it also highlights the negatives when playing teams like Hull and Burnley. The desire simply isn't there. 

Lackluster performances have let leads slip and have lost us valuable points in the process. If we have any ambitions of earning a place in the Champions League, we simply cannot be complacent when playing lesser opposition.

Bolton Wanderers are next up for City, a team which by all accounts, we should brush aside if we perform at the same level as we did in our last two games. Unfortunately, judging by our previous efforts against poor teams, we may struggle to win.

With fourth placed Tottenham losing points at Goodison Park, the Citizens are now just two points behind them with a game in hand.

Bolton is an absolute must win game if we want to keep up with the pack. Spurs, Villa and Liverpool are all in contention for the coveted fourth spot and if we lack the desire to beat teams like the Trotters, we will find ourselves back in the Faroe Islands playing Europa League again.

This next game will say more about City's prospects than the Chelsea game did, we will find out if the team is truely ready to mix it up with the big boys.

If we win this fixture then we are well on course, leading us into a crucial match with Spurs. If we lose this game, beating the likes of Chelsea almost seems pointless.

Being the best isn't just about beating the best, it's about beating the worst and taking them for everything they've got.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.