City were on top for long periods against the Rs but a brilliant display from Julio Cesar in goal for the West London side denied the Blues a sixth-successive victory.
“We did everything to win this game but we didn’t score,” said Mancini.
“When you play like this away and you don’t win, it’s incredible - we lost two points here and against West Ham, today was the same game.
“They’re a different team than they were, they don’t concede a lot of space when they play against a top squad.
...Roberto Mancini...
“The pitch was wet, it was windy, it was difficult - we deserved to win but we have another 14 games to go.”
Cesar made a phenomenal save from Gareth Barry in the first-half and another from David Silva in the latter stages to deny the defending Premier League champions all three points.
It was no surprise to the former Inter manager who brought Cesar to Milan from Flamengo in 2005.
“Julio Cesar saved everything and we made some mistakes – on another day maybe we could have scored four goals,” the 48-year old declared.
“Julio is one of the top goalkeepers in the world and he saved his team and I’m very happy for him because I know him very well – even though I’m so disappointed for us.
“I bought him when he was young for nothing and he did very well with me at Inter.”
Despite mounting speculation linking Mario Balotelli with a move to Milan, Mancini indicated that only defensive cover may be sought with two days of the transfer window remaining.
“Maybe if we have a chance to get a defender, maybe we need to – we’re missing three or four defenders at the moment, so if we can, maybe.
...Roberto Mancini...
“We don’t have anything planned for the last two days [in terms of strikers], it’s very difficult to get a good player now.”
