Mancini Praises Players after Spurs Win, Admits Dzeko Worries

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has praised his players for their spirit, after a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Spurs at the Etihad Stadium. The Italian was, understandably, happy with the result and City are now second in the league, two points behind cross-town rivals Manchester United. Reigning European champions Chelsea dropped points for the second successive weekend, after a 1-1 home draw against Liverpool.

The Premier League champions were trailing by a goal - Steven Caulker's header - at half-time, prompting some strong words from the manager. The home side responded with a brilliant second half and were rewarded when Argentine striker Sergio Agüero equalised shortly after the hour mark and substitute Edin Dzeko volleyed home in the 88th to secure all three points.

"It was a huge win because it was a difficult moment. We had a lot of important players injured. Here I saw the same spirit that I saw last year. After they scored I thought we were fantastic. We have made some mistakes in the Champions League but in football you can never say never," Mancini said after the game.

Bosnian international Dzeko is now the club's top scorer this season, with six goals in 14 appearances and caused quite the selection headache for Mancini, who admits the 26 year old is not happy playing off the bench.

"Edin is not happy. But a player who is happy on the bench does not exist. We had three important strikers today, last year we won the championship because of goals from our strikers," the Italian added.

Mancini had better sort out the Dzeko situation quickly, though, amid reports Arsenal are interested in the former Wolfsburg forward.

Meanwhile, the former Lazio and Inter Milan manager was quick to add the win against Spurs did not hide the fact City had to improve their defending from set pieces. Caulker's goal was from a Tom Huddlestone free kick from out on the right and the 25 year old England midfielder's deliveries from set pieces created quite some trouble in City's penalty area.

Finally, the champions will also be concerned that French international left back Gael Clichy appeared to pick up a back injury during the game.