Home sweet home for Mancini

ROBERTO Mancini is hoping a much kinder post–Christmas fixture list can give Manchester City the additional impetus required to turn the Blues into Premier League champions.

City reclaimed top spot after surrendering it for a couple of hours to Manchester United courtesy of David Silva’s close–range effort in a 1–0 win over Arsenal.

Once again their lead is two points, so with their massive goal difference advantage, a draw against Stoke at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday will be enough to claim the initiative on Christmas Day for the first time since 1929.

That is only a stepping stone for Mancini, though. And after visiting Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester United already this term, it does seem the odds are stacked in his side’s favour.

“In the next two months United have to play Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal away and City. This is important,” said Mancini.

“But we know United are a really strong team. We can’t think we can win the title without fighting against United. This is impossible.”

City just about deserved to edge an entertaining contest, with Mancini turning Arsenal claims for a penalty against Micah Richards on its head by pointing out both Alex Song and Mikel Arteta might easily have been sent off for second bookable offences.

As it turned out, Silva was on hand to nudge home a Sergio Aguero flick from close range and Joe Hart sealed the points when he made a magnificent save to deny Thomas Vermaelen in the final minutes.

Mancini was also full of praise for Mario Balotelli, who produced a mature display, including the cross that led to Silva’s crucial goal.