We can handle pressure

It was claimed City might be cracking under the pressure when, after leading the Barclays Premier League for five months, they surrendered top spot to champions Manchester United a fortnight ago. But after their shock loss at Swansea, City showed character with a rousing late fightback against Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League – albeit in a losing cause – and then by coming from behind to beat Chelsea in midweek.

The 2-1 defeat of Chelsea, secured by a late winner from Nasri, lifted City back within a point of United and the Frenchman is relishing the battle.

The 24-year-old said: “After Swansea we could not say anything. We had a really bad game, they played really well and we were a little bit tired after the trip from Lisbon. But after that we recovered and we talked, and said a few things, that we came here to win titles.

“We said that we need to be focused because the ten games that are left are ten Champions League finals and we want to win them. Since then we have shown great character against Sporting and now against Chelsea. There will always be someone there to criticise. Not everyone can like City – there will be some who will say we were weak on Wednesday night. But inside the club we believe that we can achieve something together and that is most important.”

With United not in action again until hosting Fulham on Monday night, City can reclaim top spot with victory at Stoke today. Carlos Tevez was appearing for the first time in six months when he came off the bench with 24 minutes remaining to combine with Nasri for the winner. Manager Roberto Mancini celebrated with vigour on the touchline and admits the title race is proving emotional.

He said: “Football is beautiful for its emotion. From now, every game will be like this, for the last two months.”

Tevez is set for another substitute’s role at the Britannia Stadium as he continues to build up his match fitness.

We can handle pressure – Nasri