City ready if Reds falter — Mancini

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has challenged his players to stay within striking distance of league leaders Manchester United.

City beat Arsenal 2-0 at Emirates Stadium — their first league win away to the Gunners since 1975 — to stay seven points adrift of United.

Mancini admitted United are currently in good form, but remains adamant the reigning champions can close the gap and retain their title.

"United are a really strong team," he said. "But the season is long. It's important for us to be there, close to them.

"We're under pressure, but everything can change at the moment. We have the derby on April 6 and we need to arrive there with five or four points behind, it is okay."

City were in the driving seat early on in north London when Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny was dismissed after just 10 minutes for hauling Edin Dzeko to the ground inside the area.

The Bosnia striker saw his resulting penalty saved but atoned for the miss by tapping home City's second goal after a tremendous James Milner effort had broken the deadlock.