Roberto Mancini has admitted that Manchester City will be out of the title race if his side lose to Arsenal on Sunday.

The North West club currently sit five points adrift of Premier League leaders and arch rivals Manchester United and could potentially be heading into this weekend's fixture against the Gunners eight points behind.

While the Italian boss previously claimed that the Manchester derby later this month will determine who will be crowned the English champions, the 47-year-old has conceded that defeat to Arsenal will all but end their hopes of clinching their first league title.

"It's possible that [Manchester United] will drop points," he said. "If they win all the games then congratulations, they deserve to win this title. We have lost this title if we lose at Arsenal."

Reports have emerged in recent weeks suggesting the Mancini could be given the boot if City fail to win the Premier League trophy, with Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho being touted as a potential successor.