Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has claimed that the Premier League title race contains just three teams.

Mancini saw his side's unbeaten run in the league come to an end against Chelsea on Monday, but doesn't think that Andre Villas-Boas's men are in the running.

"At the moment, us, United and maybe Tottenham are the three teams that can fight for the title.

"But the season is long. Chelsea, Arsenal and, maybe, Liverpool could also try. The season is hard. We have a lot of games to play in the next 40 days."

City currently top the table, two points ahead of fierce rivals Manchester United and seven clear of Tottenham, but face a tricky tie on Sunday as they welcome Arsenal to the Etihad Stadium.