Mancini encouraged despite setback

Roberto Mancini believes his Manchester City side proved in defeat that they are serious Premier League title contenders on Sunday. City were punished for the early sending-off of Dedryck Boyata as rivals Arsenal ran out 3-0 winners at Eastlands.The result saw City drop two places to fourth in the table as both the Gunners and Manchester United overtook them on goal difference.Yet Mancini was still happy with the performance of his side, who remain five points behind leaders Chelsea, after playing for 85 minutes with 10 men.The Italian said: "It is a situation that can happen."It was a bad result because we lost, but after the sending-off everything changes."Clearly it would have been better if we had won the game but if you play with 10 men against Arsenal, it is difficult."It is important we had the mentality during the game that we always tried to play."I am very proud of my players because we showed we are one of the best teams in the Premier League."They played like a strong team, they played well. We lost but the way (ahead) is long."

Source: Team_Talk