Manchester City’s derby triumph at Old Trafford shows they are not 15 points worse than Manchester United, according to manager Roberto Mancini.
Substitute Sergio Aguero struck a fantastic winner 12 minutes from time, after a Vincent Kompany own goal had cancelled out James Milner’s deflected opener.
The Premier League champions went into the game 15 points adrift of their rivals, but Mancini insisted United’s huge lead is a result of City’s wasteful season.
“I think that we don’t deserve to stay 15 points behind,” said the City boss.
“We showed we deserved to stay closer to the title, but it is finished.
“I think we are like them but they score more than us and this is the difference.
“They have had more consistency in this championship because they won more games, but instead we lost points when we probably deserved to win.”
City’s poor form since the turn of the year has caused them to worry increasingly about the chasing pack of Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal.
Mancini insisted the result was important for avenging defeat to United earlier in the season, but also for securing second place.
He added: “The last time we played Manchester United we dominated that game, but we lost – but this is football.
“It’s important that we finish in second position – 15, 12, 18, it doesn’t change anything.”
With the gap reduced to 12 points the Italian refused to listen to suggestions City’s title hopes are still alive.
But the champions have an FA Cup semi-final to look to forward against Chelsea on Sunday, as they search for some silverware.
Image courtesy of mcfc, via YouTube, with thanks.
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