Sven-Goran Eriksson feels Manchester City dealt a 'body blow' to Manchester United's title hopes with their derby win at Old Trafford.City inflicted a first home league defeat of the season on United on Sunday after Darius Vassell and Benjani Mwaruwari goals secured a 2-1 success.

After leaders Arsenal stretched five points clear by beating Blackburn Rovers on Monday evening, City boss Eriksson admits his side's win could play a role in the title race.

"You never know how important it could be," Eriksson told the Daily Mirror.

"You win the title in March and April, but this is still a body blow to Manchester United's hopes."

Eriksson was also satisfied with the improvement in performance from his players compared to the previous week's 3-1 home defeat to Arsenal.

He added: "The difference between our games against Arsenal and United was our approach. In the first 30 minutes against Arsenal we didn't disturb them. We only conceded three free-kicks and what's that against the likes of Fabregas?

"I'm not saying go out and kill them, but go out and disturb them at the very least, pull their shirts sometime.

"But against United it was a completely different attitude and fighting spirit.

"What we did against United, we should have done a week ago against Arsenal.

"We learnt our lesson and went out and did a perfect job against them."

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