Mancini blasts referee after shock defeat at Sunderland

Roberto Mancini refused to blame goalkeeper Joe Hart for damaging Manchester City's title challenge as the champions slipped to a shock 1-0 defeat at Sunderland.

England midfielder Adam Johnson claimed the only goal against his former club to end City's eight-month unbeaten away league record.

Hart looked at fault as he was beaten at his near post by Johnson's 53rd-minute effort to leave City trailing seven points behind leaders Manchester United, who increased their advantage thanks to a late winner in a 4-3 victory over Newcastle.

However, Mancini's fury was directed at referee Kevin Friend rather than the England keeper, who was nevertheless at fault for allowing Johnson's cross to slip beneath him.

The Italian admitted his side had been "soft" in crucial areas, but also pointed the finger at the officials as City suffered a third consecutive defeat at the Stadium of Light, a venue where they are winless for almost four-and-a-half years.

Mancini insisted Friend and his assistants had enjoyed their Christmas Day celebrations rather too much, after claiming they missed Craig Gardner's foul on Pablo Zabaleta in the build-up to the decisive goal.

"Johnson was really clever because we all thought he was going to cross," Mancini said. "Instead, he shot. He did very well. I don't think Hart was at fault."