Manchester City's Mancini expects long title battle with United

Dec 19, 2011, 10:12 GMT

London - Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini says he expects a long battle for the title race with champions and crosstown rivals Manchester United.

City's 1-0 victory over Arsenal on Sunday put them back two points above United, who had briefly topped the table after a 2-0 win at Queens Park Rangers.

'It was important because United are having a good season like Manchester City,' Mancini said.

'We are strong, they are strong, but we know that the season is long.

'It could be in the season that we could go into second position but we know that it's important to stay on top in the end.

'We know United are a really strong team. We can't think we can win the title without fighting against United. This is impossible.'

Mancini said he hoped that the fact his team had already played their major rivals away from home would boost their title hopes.

'We played at Tottenham, we played against United away, we played against Chelsea away, we played against Liverpool away,' he said.

'At home it won't be easy but it will be better for us. In the next two months United have to play Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal away - and City. This is important.'

City have won all eight of their home games, scoring 25 goals in the process.

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