Sun reporter Andy Dillon admitted that he was shocked at Roberto Mancini’s comments after his champions lost 3-1 to Southampton.

The Manchester city manager was very vocal about who he thought was to blame as his team fell further behind leaders Manchester United.

Dillon said: “The story – in the paper - will reflect that the title race is over. I couldn’t believe what Mancini said after the game. The comments about Joe Hart really staggered me.”

Mancini suggested that while Hart was a good goalkeeper he had made two or three mistakes, similar to the error that occurred when Steven Davis scored the rebound from Rickie Lambert’s shot.

The reporter continued: “I don’t think I’d hear Sir Alex Ferguson say that, he would’ve backed his player.”

Although that was to take nothing away from Southampton whose win against the current champions was the shock of the day.

Dillon added: “Southampton looked really confident tonight. A real swagger, as if they weren’t afraid to have a go and take on City.

“There was something exciting about them tonight.”