Mancini: February key month in title race

Roberto Mancini insists last week’s Manchester derby proved City are a better team than United.

Though Alex Ferguson’s side emerged victors thanks to Robin van Persie’s injury-time free-kick, allowing United to stride six points clear at the Premier League summit, Mancini felt his side were the superior outfit.

The Italian believes the championship race could turn City’s way once United return to Champions League action, although before then he has to cope with an injury list which will be compounded by the absence of Yaya and Kolo Toure at the African Nations Cup next month.