Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has criticised his players' defending of a free kick, which resulted in a late winning goal for Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium yesterday.
The Premier League champions looked certain to secure a 2-2 draw in the fierce Manchester derby until Robin van Persie's free kick hammered into the back of the net in stoppage time to give United the bragging rights and a six-point lead at the top of the table.
Samir Nasri faced criticism for his part in the goal after he moved behind Edin Dzeko in the three-man wall and deflected Van Persie's shot with his leg.
When asked why this had happened, Mancini said: "I don't know why. I understood before that the free kick was dangerous. I don't know why it happened.
"We made a mistake and only put three players there. Actually we had only had two-and-a-half players there. We didn't cover very well.
"I think the wall should have been better. I think in the last second we should pay more attention to this situation. If you need to put your face there, you need to put your face there."
City remain in second place in the table, with Chelsea four points behind them in third spot.
Danielle Joynson
