Roberto Mancini has said that Manchester City will "work hard" to stay on top of the Premier League table.

City cemented a two-point lead at the top of the league with a 1-0 win over Arsenal yesterday, after briefly being overtaken by Manchester United earlier in the day.

"We wanted to win, we wanted to go top and we know the season is long," Mancini said.

"If we work hard we can stay up there. United went top because they played before us, that was the only reason.

"We know we have to fight other teams. We know United are a really strong team and we can't think about if we can win the title. Without fighting against United, this is impossible."

City face Stoke on Wednesday, and a win would seal their place at the top of the Premier League going into Christmas.

"We want to stay at the top for a long time, not only Christmas. We want to beat Stoke in the next game," Mancini added.

"Stoke, at this moment, are like Arsenal. They have won four games in a row and it will be tough."

Manchester City have taken 41 points from 16 games.