Roberto Mancini has embraced the tradition of Premier League mind games as readily as an Italian super model takes to the Paris fashion runways but, after the desperate home draw with Sunderland, even the Manchester City manager admits the end may be nigh in his club’s title assault.

I NEVER thought I’d be so relieved to see Nicholas Bendtner back fit and in the squad, but along with Theo Walcott, it was great to see the return of some genuine firepower on the bench for the game against Birmingham.

OUR football correspondent LIAM MACKEY is back in top form and full of energy.