Knowing victory would secure top spot on Christmas Day for the first time since 1929, City blew their chance, losing 2-1 at home to Everton for the fourth year on the trot.
It added a rather hollow tinge to confirmation that Tevez will remain at Eastlands following talks with chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak.
"It was important news but it was the only good news," reflected Mancini.
"It is very important for everyone; the club, the squad, for him. The situation has been cleared up and everything has gone in a good way.
"It was important that we stopped talking about this situation. We are happy about that."
Source: PA
Source: PA