Mancini takes long view to City win

Roberto Mancini has warned his side against complacency after their 5-1 thrashing of Norwich in the English Premier League on Saturday.

City only managed to score once in the first half – through Sergio Aguero – but carved Norwich open in the second period with goals from Samir Nasri, Yaya Toure, Mario Balotelli and Adam Johnson.

Mancini was happy with the effort of his side, but cautioned there would be tougher tests to come.

“I think that it’s not important to be there now but it is important to be there at the end of the season,” Mancini told the BBC. “We know that the season is very hard and very long.”

“We don’t know what can happen in the next month but it’s better to stay top.”

After failing to convert most of their chances in the first half, Mancini was pleased his side continued to be creative after the break.

“It was not easy because after the first half it was only 1-0 and if you don’t score more goals, the game can change,” he said.

“I think after, we looked better but it was difficult because Norwich played with more players behind the ball and for us it was difficult in the first half.”

“Sergio scored a fantastic goal though, it was not easy to score that goal.”

Mancini was impressed by City’s fifth goal, scored by Mario Balotelli, who shouldered the ball home after his initial effort was saved by Norwich keeper John Ruddy.

“Mario is like this – he is a fantastic player, he scored a fantastic goal.”

“The goal he scored today was a good goal because he could only score like this.”

Norwich manager Paul Lambert said his side had been outclassed at Etihad Stadium, but felt the 5-1 scoreline was kind to their hosts.

“We were beaten by a better side. I am honest enough to say that,” Lambert told Sky Sports.

“They are a top, top side. Their movement is first class. But you don’t do yourself justice when you concede the goals we did. The first goal was poor and the second one should never have gone the distance it did.”

“The reality for us is to try and stay in the league.”

“We have come a long way in a two-year period. We are pitting our wits against some of the best players in the world. They are a really good side.”