Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini still believes that his side remain in the title race despite their loss at Arsenal.

The Citizens' 1-0 defeat at the Emirates stadium left them eight points behind Manchester United in the Premier League table, after the Red Devils had overcome Queens Park Rangers 2-0 at Old Trafford earlier in the day.

While the Italian concedes that it will be "difficult" to overturn the deficit with only six games remaining, he remains hopeful of delivering City's first English championship since 1968.

"It is difficult but it was also difficult at five points behind," said Mancini. "Who knows in football? While you still have a chance you should do everything and we have six games so never say never.

"It is difficult because they have more experience than us and eight points is too much in this moment but I believe, always.

"We have had a good season in the Premier League, today we have 15 more points than last season. We need to finish well."

Mario Balotelli was shown a red card during the game with the Gunners and Mancini has said that the 21-year-old will "probably" be sold in the summer.