The former England star came off the bench to score City’s second as the Premier League champions won 3-0 win away at Southampton to leapfrog the south coast side into second spot.

Manchester City have suffered a stuttering start to Manuel Pellegrini’s second season in charge but MM believe he has to be given the time to turn the club’s fortunes around in the Premier and Champions Leagues.

Manuel Pellegrini has vowed Manchester City cannot let Chelsea escape at the top of the Premier League if they want to topple Jose Mourinho’s empire – ahead of a visit from Roma.

Frank Lampard is in contention to make his debut for Manchester City this weekend as the reigning champions face Arsenal tomorrow afternoon.

Mangala is City’s sixth buy of the off season as they seek to bolster their squad ahead of their second Premier League title defence in three seasons.