De Jong looking forward

MIDFIELDER Nigel de Jong expects Manchester City to pull together to get their title charge back on track.

The Barclays Premier League leaders have stuttered since Christmas, suffering a shock 1–0 loss at Sunderland after a frustrating goalless draw at West Brom.

City still top the table from Manchester United on goal difference but face another tough test as Liverpool visit the Etihad Stadium tonight.

De Jong said: “We win with each other, we lose with each other.

“We have to take this one on board, discuss it and see what went wrong and just go on to the next game.”

That City have failed to score in their last two games comes as a surprise after they hit the net 53 times in their previous 17 games.

Roberto Mancini’s men had spells of dominance at The Hawthorns on Boxing Day and the Stadium of Light on New Year’s Day, but they found both opponents in resolute mood.

De Jong himself made his first start for City since November in the last–gasp defeat to the Black Cats.

The 27–year–old Holland international was a key member of last season’s FA Cup–winning side but has fallen down the pecking order since a spell out in August and September with a foot injury.

Mancini accepts he may be frustrated with the situation, but the City boss insists the tough–tackling World Cup finalist remains an important member of his squad.