Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini believes that if the Citizens are top of the Premier League after January then the title will be almost in the bag.

 

Mancini has identified the first month of 2012 as the most difficult period of the season for his side, with both Yaya Toure and Kolo Toure expected to take part in the African Cup of Nations.

 

And Yaya Toure especially has been instrumental in City’s success this season, bossing the midfield and also proving a threat further up the pitch.

 

His absence is one that will be felt.

 

"We will probably lose an important man for one month at a crucial moment", said Mancini, before stating his belief that January is key.

 

"For this reason I think if we do well in January and we are top after January, it will be difficult to lose.

 

"We have done well but the season is long. Now we have two difficult games against Chelsea and Arsenal.

 

"I said before that the next two months will be important months, Yaya is an important player for us. We don’t have any other players like Yaya."

 

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