Mancini's Man City Have Ingredients For Success

After four victories from four starts, Roberto Mancini's reign at Manchester City couldn't have begun any better. It's provoked talk of World Cup Soccer Jersey a title hunt for the Sky Blues. But is it realistic?

The Italian boss seems to have arrived at the City of Manchester Stadium at the right time.

Carlos Tevez is in brilliant form, claiming December's Player of the Month award, before scoring a hat-trick against Blackburn on Monday. And the Sky Blues have had a good run of fixtures to greet Mancini's arrival.

There's no doubt under Mark Hughes, City were dropping points against the likes of Stoke City, Blackburn or Wolverhampton (whom Mancini's faced in his first three league encounters). Indeed, Hughes's Sky Blues had that unbelievable run of draws.

So credit where credit is due, Mancini's impact at City has been immediate but considering the opposition we shouldn't go overboard lavishing praise on the new gaffer, let alone brandishing them title contenders. That is a little early.

But there's certainly positive signs that City have the right ingredients for success. Perhaps they're heading down the right path (or recipe) to achieving that as well.

Nevertheless, after an inconsistent start to the campaign under Hughes, the Sky Blues are currently seven points behind leaders Chelsea. You could argue, they've offered them too big a headstart.

Indeed, Manchester City fans might deep down still hold hope of a title challenge, but realistically they should be content claiming a top four spot and qualification for next season's UEFA Champions League.

Key midfielder Nigel de Jong echoed that sentiment when he said this week: “Of course the title is a possibility. Nothing is impossible.

“Though nothing is impossible, you have to work for it. You have to be realistic as well and remember this is only season number one for us after the big spending and we have to take it step by step.

“That's what it's all about at City at the moment, to try and make a difference between the past and the future. Right now you can see what's happening. Everyone is excited. It was a good performance against Blackburn and we've got to keep that going.

“Of course we can stay in the top four. You see how big the squad is. It's not only the first 11 but the 22 players in the squad. The important thing is the Champions League place and trying to continue in that position. Then, we will see in March and April where we are standing.”

Indeed, there is plenty of work ahead for the Sky Blues and immediate success can not be expected. We shouldn't forget that when Roman Abramovich arrived at Chelsea, it took the Blues a few years to claim the Premier League title despite his big-spending.

The point here is a title challenge takes work, and a little bit of time. Immediate results should not realistically be expected.

Mancini's early success at City has mainly revolved around re-organising the side's defence, which has only conceded once since his arrival. That has been the key for now, but more work needs to be done especially when they face the bigger clubs.

But the early indications from Eastlands are that Mancini's arrival has made a positive impact, despite a few grumblings from Craig Bellamy and Shay Given when Hughes was dismissed.

Indeed Mancini, who coached Internazionale to three Serie A titles, appears to know the recipe the Sky Blues need to succeed. Throw in their expensive playing purchases and it is clear this is a side with the right ingredients to go with it.

For now, aiming for this season's title may be a tad ambitious, but City finally seem to be heading in the right direction. How long it takes for that direction to reap rewards remains to be seen.