Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is happy for fans to be excited over their outright leadership.

A resounding 4-1 win over Aston Villa put City two points clear of Manchester United, who they meet at Old Trafford on Sunday.

And boss Mancini said: "We have to understand if we want to stay there we must obey one rule: keep winning. If not, things change. With two of the titles I won with Inter we were top after six or seven games and stayed there.

"I'd prefer to be on top all season with a six or seven point lead but the most vital thing is to be on top after the last game.

"For the fans it is important we are on top and it is right for them to be excited.

"We've worked for this. And we want to stay there for a long time, if it's possible."