Mancini has not given up hope of an unlikely comeback in the title race like last season when Manchester City pipped United at the death.

"When you play one game every three days, it is always a top-quality game, there will be a moment that you are tired. I was not surprised [about the Chelsea result].

"Sometimes they didn't play very well but won because they have good players. For a top team it is important to win when you don't play well."