Bookmakers across the country have started paying out on Manchester City winning the league.

A spokesman for William Hill told eatfootball that, as far as they were concerned, Manchester City’s point advantage was such that they couldn’t be caught. We spoke to a rather smug looking Sven Goran Eriksson who told us that they were in a strong position but would be taking the next 35 games one at a time. “We don’t expect to get caught at this stage of the season but we are not taking anything for granted.” He exclusively told us.

So how will Man City cope in the Champions League next season we asked? “Well as Premier League champions…er…elect, I should add, we have to be one of the favourites,” cooed the swinging Swede from his palatial Mancunian hermit cine-bunker.

There were certain doomsayers at the start of the season who were suggesting that Manchester City might get relegated, well those opinions are looking pretty silly now. Sven’s achievement at Manchester City is similar to his conquest of Ulrika Johnsson in that they are both remarkable achievements and difficult to explain.

Sir Alex Ferguson also paid tribute to the canny Scandinavian. “I’d like to congratulate Sven’s side for their performances this season. We will keep fighting until it’s mathematically impossible for us to win the league,” he muttered.

Are we seeing more mind games from Fergie or has he genuinely conceded the title to his Manchester rivals? We only have to wait nine months to find out.