Mancini laments Man City's late renaissance in Premier League title race

London - Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has said it's a pity his team is out of the Premier League title race as his players are playing really well at the moment.

City thrashed Norwich City 6-1 with striker Carlos Tevez hitting a hat trick, and his fellow Argentinean Sergio Aguero scoring a brace, which slashed their gap with title rivals Manchester United to just two points.

United, though have a game in hand against Aston Villa on Sunday, but Mancini believes the title race is already over.

"The title race is impossible. It is too late for us now. It is a pity we are out of it now because we are playing very well at the moment," The Sun quoted Mancini, as saying.

Mancini said he is happy for Tevez after he made his second start since a bust-up with him September during a Champions League game against Bayern Munich in the Allianz Arena.

"I did not see his celebration but I am happy. But Manchester United play tomorrow," he said.

Mancini said he was pleased by the way his team played against a resolute Norwich side, and stressed it was important that they finish the season well.

"This is how we played in the first 28 games, but we have had some problems with key players being injured and some bad moments. It is still important that we can finish well this season with as many points as possible," Mancini added.