Mancini demands response from Blues

Infuriated Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini expects an immediate reaction from his players after they seemingly surrendered the league crown at Southampton.

The champions were nine points behind leaders Manchester United when they headed to St Mary's on Saturday. But City buckled , putting in what Mancini described as a "worse than poor" performance as Southampton won 3–1.

Saints duo Jason Puncheon and Steven Davis netted before Edin Dzeko pulled one back for City, only for Gareth Barry’s own goal to put the contest beyond the Blues.

United's victory over Everton means City are 12 points behind with just 12 games remaining, and Mancini expects a response.

"When you play football and you are a top player, you should take your responsibility, always," the City boss said.

"It's not always the fault of the manager."

This season has been difficult for City, with their title slip compounded by a miserable Champions League campaign in which they finished bottom of their group.