Roberto Mancini watched his title-chasing Manchester City side claim a crucial 2-0 away win against top-four hopefuls, Newcastle United, at the weekend. Then, the Italian boss admitted that the Premier League was “ours to lose”.

Midfield powerhouse, Yaya Toure, proved the difference between the two sides, with two stunning individual efforts, to settle a compelling encounter at St James’ Park, on Tyneside. The former Barcelona favourite opened the scoring with a fine strike, before wrapping up the win with time running out.

The result means that, if Mancini’s men beat relegation-threatened QPR, next Sunday, they will usurp local rivals, Manchester United, and claim their first domestic title in 44 years. Sir Alex Ferguson’s side beat Swansea 2-0, later on Sunday, to stay locked on the same points total.

Mancini has played a straight bat, with regards to his side’s title chances, but he admitted that their destiny was now in their own hands. The visit of QPR, in just under a week’s time, takes on added spice, due to the return to Manchester of former City manager, Mark Hughes.

Mancini said: “It is not finished. It is important that we get three points, next week. We need a big effort; there is one game more [to play]. I think, for us, it should be a normal week. We don’t change anything; QPR will be tough, they are fighting for relegation.” QPR won their most recent match, against Stoke City, thanks to a late goal from Djibril Cisse.

The Italian demanded one last effort from his players, adding: “Nothing changes. It is ours to lose. It doesn’t depend on other teams anymore.”