Everton 1 Man City 0: Mancini takes blame for Goodison defeat

Roberto Mancini accepted the blame for his side’s defeat after Everton dented Manchester City’s title challenge with victory at Goodison Park on Tuesday.

Darron Gibson’s deflected strike in the 60th minute settled a closely contested encounter as David Moyes’ men battled hard to keep the league leaders at bay.

City’s loss allowed Manchester United, who beat Stoke City 2-0 at Old Trafford, to close the gap to Mancini’s side to just goal difference – and the Italian appeared ready to shoulder the blame for the result after the game.

“We didn’t play a good game and probably it’s my fault because I prepared maybe badly this game,” Mancini told Sky Sports. “My players put in everything on the pitch. Everton are a strong team and every time they play against us they play well.

“We need to start winning games. There are 15 games [left] and we are on top [of the league]. It’as very important to win the next game against Fulham.

“We knew that December and January would be difficult months – but we knew this two months ago.”

Meanwhile, Everton boss Moyes was thrilled with his side’s resilience as the Merseysiders were hoisted up into ninth place in the table.

“That might have been one of the best results I’ve had at Everton,” he said. “I thought it was a brilliant effort and a great result for us.

“We’re playing boys at the moment who are doing everything they possibly can.”

Everton confirmed the signing of Nikica Jelavic from Rangers on deadline day and Moyes admitted his delight at clinching the deal for the Croatia forward.

“I’m excited. We’ve been looking to bring in a striker for a long time and we’ve been really finding it difficult to see what’s out there, so to get him in gives us something else.”