The 0-0 draw against The Gunners meant that City stayed in fifth place in the Premier League table, just a point behind Tottenham in fourth place, with three games to play.
"We do not play to draw, never, but in the first half Arsenal were better than us and had more possession," Mancini said.
"We defended very well and were better in the second half, so the draw was the fair result.
"We had spirit and character, it’s not easy to play here.
"We have three more games and they will be crucial games, to decide the season."