Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is demanding an instant response from their defeat at Southampton.

Manchester United's victory over Everton on Sunday means City are 12 points behind with just 12 games remaining, and Mancini expects a response.

"When you play football and you are a top player, you should take your responsibility, always," the City boss said. "It's not always the fault of the manager.

"The players should take responsibility - if they have big balls. If not, they can't play in a top team."