Gary Neville: 'Manchester City have lacked creativity'

Gary Neville has said that Manchester City will almost certainly lose their Premier League crown this season because of a lack of creativity in the side.

The English champions currently trail leaders Manchester United by 15 points and Neville feels that the side's biggest downfall has been down to key attacking players not living up to their reputations.

"I've watched City a lot this season and there has been a lack of creativity and pace," Neville wrote in his column in the Daily Mail.

"At times they've seemed disillusioned when there has been a change of tactical systems. Last season there was a refreshing unpredictability about them, with Samir Nasri and David Silva behind Sergio Aguero and Mario Balotelli. And they had power driving them on in Yaya Toure and a fully-fit Vincent Kompany.

"I think the feeling among the players last May may have been: 'Thank goodness! We've climbed the mountain! We did it!' But you have to learn to be serial winners and United have done that over the years. Win or lose, the train doesn't stop."

The two teams meet on Monday evening.