The Blues boss purred with contentment after his side took full points from the fixture for the first time in 17 years.
Two goals each from Carlos Tevez and Craig Bellamy sealed a magnificent victory and blew the title race wide open but despite coming from behind to beat the title favourites on their own patch Mancini insisted the Blues had played better at Stoke in the midweek FA Cup exit.
“This was not the best performance under my management, that was at Stoke and we lost,” he smiled after getting the better of countryman Carlo Ancelotti.
“We dominated that game but we didn’t do so in this one.”
We concentrated well and squeezed the space that we allowed Chelsea when they attacked. The first half was tactical and we played well in the second half
...Mancini on Chelsea win...
Victory completed a rare league double over Chelsea for City – the first since 1957 – and re-established the side’s credentials to be the favourites for fourth spot in the Premier League.
“We showed great spirit and great commitment after what happened to us at Stoke,” declared Mancini.
“It was fantastic that we won because it was important for the three points, for the table, for the mentality and for the future as we battle to finish in the top four.
“Wayne Bridge coped well with everything that happened and Carlos Tevez was tremendous. In fact if he plays like that he can go back to Argentina every week and come back before the game!” smiled the manager.”
