Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini admits they can feel the pressure from Manchester United.

Victory over Arsenal lifted City two points clear at the top again but Mancini accepts they may not stay there permanently throughout the title race.

The Italian said: "We know United are a really strong team and we can't think that we can win the title without fighting against United.

"We know it is possible we could go into the second position sometimes because when there are squads like us, United and Tottenham it can happen.

"But it is important we are there in the end."

When it was pointed out City could now be top at Christmas for the first time since 1929, Mancini said: "We want to stay at the top for a long time, not only Christmas."