Mancini confident of finishing fourth

ROBERTO Mancini has promised Manchester City fans an end-of-season present to make up for their derby heartache.

For the third time this season the Blues were left on their knees thanks to a last-gasp Manchester United winner.

“I am sorry for the supporters,” said the Italian. “But at the end of the season we will have a good gift for them because I think we will get the fourth position.”

City’s quest will continue at Arsenal on Saturday evening. The Blues have not beaten the Gunners on their own patch since 1975 and after yesterday’s setback at Wigan, Arsene Wenger’s men are unlikely to be in forgiving mood.

No-one needs any reminding about the bad feeling which scarred the first meeting between the sides, Emmanuel Adebayor scoring but then getting himself banned for three matches after raking his studs down the side of Robin van Persie’s face. After that City play Aston Villa, Tottenham and finally West Ham.

“This result has affected us in terms of getting into fourth place,” Mancini added. “But I still think we will do it. We have four games left and the crucial one will probably be the Tottenham one here.”