Defiant Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini insisted his side’s chances of retaining their Premier League crown were not dead in the water after beating Aston Villa.
Carlos Tevez bagged the only goal of the game in first-half stoppage time, calmly rounding keeper Brad Guzan after being played in by strike partner Edin Dzeko, who robbed Ciaran Clark.
With the result moving the Blues back within 12 points of league leaders Manchester United, Mancini refused to rule out a seemingly impossible come-back.
“For us it was important to stay 12 points behind United and for us the championship is not over,” he told Sky Sports.
“We have to keep on winning and see. This is football – nothing is impossible.
“We know it will be difficult but we will keep on trying.”
With the Villains sitting in the drop zone heading into the game, City were wary of a tense battle.
But aside Christian Benteke’s effort being cleared off the line by Tevez inside 20 minutes, the Blues were rarely seriously troubled.
Villa captain Clark’s mistake on the stroke of half-time allowed Dzeko to steal possession and play in Tevez to score.
City took charge after the break, with Yaya Toure’s effort against the post the closest they came to doubling their lead.
And while frustrated with the low scoreline, Mancini was nevertheless pleased with the manner of his side’s performance.
“I am frustrated because we had four or five really good chances to score. But we are playing well,” he said.
“Aston Villa are a good team. It is strange that they are down there and for that reason I am happy with my team.”
The only downside to the night was a reoccurrence of a hamstring injury to promising midfielder Jack Rodwell on 25 minutes.
With the player making just his fourth start for City since his summer move due to injury problems, Mancini could not fail to hide his disappointment.
“Jack Rodwell is very unlucky, I was very happy with how he played against Chelsea and he has done his hamstring,” he said.
Image courtesy of Manchester City, via YouTube, with thanks
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