London – Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has admitted for the first time that his side have a real chance of winning the Premier League title this season.
City's 2-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday, combined with Manchester United's 4-4 draw with Everton, means that only three points separate the top two, with three games remaining each.
The two sides meet at City's Etihad Stadium on April 30 and if City win, they will go above United on goal difference.
Mancini has consistently written off City's hopes in recent weeks but with United faltering, the Italian said: “We have still have a chance.”
Goals from Sergio Aguero and Samir Nasri gave them victory at Wolves – a win that relegated their opponents to the Championship next season – and Mancini said he was happy with their performances.
“I'm happy with our form, but we have three games to go and they are all going to be very difficult.
“I still think United have a bigger chance than us at the moment, even if we get three points in the derby we have Newcastle and QPR, which will be difficult games.
“United after us have two games that will not be easy, but not difficult like it will be for us. But we have still have a chance.” – Sapa-dpa