Roberto Mancini was left admitting Manchester City need to win all 10 remaining Premier League matches if they are to snatch the title away from bitter city rivals Manchester United.
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The City manager, who was speaking after his side had snatched a 1-0 win over struggling Aston Villa on Monday, added United, who hold a 12 point lead over them, would also have to lose several matches if they were to retain the title they won in thrilling fashion on the final day of last season.
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"It is difficult. We have 30 more points to play for and we need to try to win. We will see what happens at the end. Anything can happen in football," said Mancini.
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"We need to win all the matches and they lose four or five."
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Mancini, whose best hope of silverware probably lies in the FA Cup which he won two years ago, revealed Jack Rodwell is set to face a month on the sidelines after hobbling off during the game.
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It was yet another blow for the talented Rodwell, which came just 25 minutes into the contest in what was only his second start since September.
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"We are very sorry for Jack, he is a good guy and player. He is unlucky. It is his hamstring," said 48- year-old Mancini.
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"I think it is impossible to resolve this problem in six or seven months when he has had it for five or six years. It will need more time.
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"I think he will be out until after the international break, it will be three or four weeks. He is young, he played very well against Chelsea and here."
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Villa, meanwhile, remain in 18th and were once again left to rue a costly lapse of concentration from one of their players at a key moment.
I believe he is wasting his time cos the league has ended in United's favour already. It's too late for City to change anything
Yoruba's will say "igba yi ni aro" too late man, start preparing for next season.