Roberto Mancini has said that Manchester City will need to call on the spirit shown during their 3-0 win over Liverpool last night in order to cope without Yaya Toure in January.

Toure will be absent for African Cup of Nations duty with Ivory Coast, and despite pleas from the player and club, a delay in his departure date is unlikely.

"We showed spirit. In the second half we had some problems, but we came through it, and found a solution, and we will need that spirit without Yaya," Mancini said.

"I try to find another Yaya in the squad but there isn't one. He is very important to the team, to the way we play, and he is a big influence on the side, so we will miss him.

"If we can stay on the top after January we can have a good chance to win the title, because without Yaya and Kolo it will be very difficult."

City currently enjoy a three-point lead over second-placed Manchester United.