Mancini: City still in the mix

ROBERTO Mancini insists the Premier League title race is far from over, despite his Manchester City side’s 0-0 result at Arsenal last night.

City, who are expected to complete the £27million signing of striker Edin Dzeko from Wolfsburg, failed to muster a single shot on target, and clearly missed the injured frontline duo of David Silva and Mario Balotelli.

Arsenal, but for some better fortune, could have been celebrating a second successive home victory over one of their title rivals.

The Gunners twice hit the woodwork in the first half through Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas, with England goalkeeper Joe Hart then saving superbly from the Dutchman’s 25–yard drive on the hour.

Both sides finished with 10 men after full–backs Pablo Zabaleta and Bacary Sagna were shown straight red cards by referee Mike Jones for a needless clash on the far touchline.

The Gunners remain in third place, two points behind City, on whom they still hold a match in hand, and four off leaders Manchester United, who have played a game less.

Mancini said: “We are in a good position, like Arsenal and Manchester United. The season is very long.

“Also, although Chelsea and Tottenham both lost, I think they can still arrive on the top.”

City drew plenty of criticism both from the television pundits for the live match and also the Emirates Stadium faithful. But the Blues boss said he wasn’t concerned by the chants of ‘boring, boring City’.

“I prefer booing at the end and to go home with one point than with three goals in our net.”