Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has saluted his side after they saw off Arsenal 1-0 to maintain top spot in the Premier League.

 

Just one solitary strike from David Silva in the second half was enough to hand City all three points at Eastlands and also inflict upon Arsenal a first loss in nine games.

 

With City having lost at Chelsea in their previous match, the victory was more than welcome, signalling as it does an instant recovery.

 

"It was important, because [Manchester] United are having a good season like Manchester City", said Mancini, having noted their cross town neighbours’ win at Queens Park Rangers earlier in the day.

 

"We are strong, they are strong, but we know the season is long", added the Italian.

 

"It could be the season we go into second position, but we know that it’s important to stay on top in the end.

 

"It was a very good performance, but also some moments after going 1-0 up we conceded some space for them on the counter-attack and we should have had more control of the game.

 

"We did a good performance as a team, with the defenders, and also with Joe Hart, but I think we had a lot of chances to score, but their keeper was fantastic."

 

Next up for City is the visit of Stoke City on Wednesday night before Mancini’s men travel to West Brom on Monday.

 

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