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Mancini claims Man City are not back in the title hunt

Sergio Aguero scored two and created another for Manchester City in their win against West Brom © Getty Images

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Roberto Mancini delivered an unusual post-match interview on Wednesday, refusing to accept that Manchester City are back in the Premier League title race despite United's loss at Wigan.

Defeat for the Red Devils at the DW Stadium means City are back within five points after their own 4-0 drubbing of West Brom. With the Manchester derby still to come, City now only need United to drop points in one other fixture between now and the end of the season to leave it in their own hands.

However, asked if City are back in the title race, Mancini replied on Sky Sports: "No. It is important mathematically. But United are a fantastic team and I don't think they can lose five points.

"For us it is important that we finish this good season for us well. This is the best season since 1968 and this is important. I fight always, every day, and also my team but now I think it is too late.

"I think they have fantastic spirit, United. We don't have the same spirit and for this reason I think this is very difficult. We have 74 points so we are in the Champions League."

City are not yet officially in the Champions League, with fifth-placed Newcastle 15 points behind with 15 to play for. However, City have a superior goal difference of 45 compared to the Magpies, so Mancini's point is somewhat valid.

Pressed on whether he was playing mind games with his refusal to claim City are back in the title hunt, Mancini replied: "I don't believe this."

Goals from Sergio Aguero(2), Carlos Tevez and David Silva earned City the points against West Brom, and Mancini now hopes their blip is over. "For three of four games we didn't play well, we conceded too many goals, but I hope we've come back tonight after those games," the Italian stated.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.