Aston Villa 0 Man City 1: We’re still in the title race, declares Mancini

Roberto Mancini watched his Manchester City side beat Aston Villa to reduce the gap to Manchester United back to 12 points – and then insisted that his side can still retain their Premier League crown.

Carlos Tevez netted the winner for Mancini’s men just before the break after Edin Dzeko caught Ciaran Clark dawdling on the ball and fed the Argentina striker, who rounded Brad Guzan and fired home.

Mancini’s side still have to travel to Old Trafford and the City boss is refusing to concede his side’s chances winning back-to-back titles.

“For us it was important to stay 12 points behind United because with 10 games [to go], [you can] never say never,” he told Sky Sports.

“The championship is not finished and we are up there. This is football [and] nothing is impossible.

“[We have to] weep on winning and you never know. Last year nobody thought it was possible. We know that it will be difficult but we want to try. We hope that they will drop points before the derby!”

Midfielder Yaya Toure also promised the club’s fans that the Citizens will give it their all in the final 10 games of the season.

“We know it’s going to be difficult but the most important thing is to stay tight on them [United],” he said. “Twelve points is a lot and we know they have fantastic experience.

“But it’s not finished. We have to keep fighting for the fans and for the club.”