Roberto Mancini frustrated with Samir Nasri after Manchester City win

Samir Nasri was the star of this win that kept Manchester City five points clear in second place – but afterwards his manager Roberto Mancini said he wanted to "punch" him.

City's season of regret was summed up by the manager's frustration at the Frenchman who has been absent without leave for most of it. Nasri's dazzling performance fell into the too little too late category for City's title defence hopes but, with the Manchester derby next Monday and an FA Cup semi-final the following weekend, Nasri can still redeem himself and help the club salvage the campaign.

While Matija Nastasic was not risked due to the foot injury he suffered on international duty, he, Nasri and Silva, who both each took knocks against Newcastle, should all be available for the derby.

Kompany was happy to have come through unscathed. "I was waiting for some time to come back and play with the lads," he said. "I am really happy. I always look at it this way. If you put in the right amount of work you always get a chance to come back stronger. I have worked really hard. Hopefully I will stay fit now until the end of the season. It is much better. You enjoy the game a lot more when you are fit and can play like this."