Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has refused to rule his side out of the race for the Premier League title, following their 1-0 win over Aston Villa.

The Sky Blues are now 12 points adrift of leaders, and local rivals, Manchester United, with ten games left to play.

Although the Red Devils are firm favourites to take the trophy from the Etihad Stadium, Mancini says it is too early to rule his side out of the race:

"For us it was important to stay 12 behind United, with 10 games left you never say never. Keep on winning and you never know, this is football.” He told Sky Sports.

"Last year nobody thought it was possible but 12 points in 10 games. If they lose four..."

Midfielder Yaya Toure echoed his manager’s sentiments, whilst also sending his best wishes to Jack Rodwell, who limped off of the pitch during the first-half with a suspected hamstring injury:

"Today we showed we have a fantastic squad, we are sad with Jack but this is an important day for us,

"Twelve points is a lot but it's not finished."

Carlos Tevez netted the only goal of the game on the stroke of half time.

Villa captain Ciaran Clark slipped, allowing Edin Dzeko, who replaced the injured Rodwell, to square for his Argentine strike partner.

Tevez then coolly rounded Brad Guzan before slipping the ball into the back of the net.

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