Mancini glad to please Mansour

Roberto Mancini wishes Sheikh Mansour was around every week to act as Manchester City's lucky charm.

Almost two years after he bought the club from Thaksin Shinawatra, City's immensely wealthy owner saw them in Premier League combat for the first time on Mondqay night. And he could not have picked a better occasion as City delivered a performance fit for a king to demolish Liverpool 3-0 at Eastlands.

"The owner was very happy," he said. "It was the first time he saw City and we beat Liverpool so it was a good night."

He added: "We don't have time to celebrate with him because we have another match to prepare for in two days but I hope the Sheikh can come every week."

Mancini had the added satisfaction of watching debutant James Milner produce an outstanding performance. The midfielder - one of six Englishman to start the contest - set up man-of-the-match Gareth Barry for the opener.

He then delivered the corner that resulted in Carlos Tevez getting a touch on Micah Richards' header to net City's second after half-time.

There was no doubt about the third though, Tevez drilling home from the spot after Martin Skrtel had flattened Adam Johnson to seal City's biggest win over the Merseyside giants since 1937.

"The mentality is important," said Mancini.

"If we go onto the pitch with a good mentality we can do anything. We can beat every team.

"I am happy because we have beaten a strong side like Liverpool who can fight for the title this year."