Mancini pleased to impress Mansour

Mancini was happy City put on a performance last night (PA)

Roberto Mancini wishes Sheikh Mansour was around every week to act as Manchester City's lucky charm.

Almost two years after he bought the club from Thaksin Shinawatra, City's immensely wealthy owner saw them in Premier League combat for the first time last night.

And he could not have picked a better occasion as City delivered a performance fit for a king to demolish Liverpool 3-0 at Eastlands.

"The owner was very happy," he said.

"It was the first time he saw City and we beat Liverpool so it was a good night.

"We don't have time to celebrate with him because we have another match to prepare for in two days but I hope the Sheikh can come every week."

Mancini had the added satisfaction of watching debutant James Milner produce an outstanding performance.

The midfielder - one of six Englishman to start the contest - set up man-of-the-match Gareth Barry for the opener.

He then delivered the corner that resulted in Carlos Tevez getting a touch on Micah Richards' header to net City's second after half-time.

There was no doubt about the third though, Tevez drilling home from the spot after Martin Skrtel had flattened Adam Johnson to seal City's biggest win over the Merseyside giants since 1937.

"The mentality is important," said Mancini.

"If we go onto the pitch with a good mentality we can do anything. We can beat every team.

"I am happy tonight because we have beaten a strong side like Liverpool who can fight for the title this year."

Mancini avoided discussion of his own side's championship credentials, although on this evidence, City are bound to be somewhere close when the major prizes are handed out next spring.

That will be especially true if Joe Hart continues in his present form.

Selected ahead of Shay Given at the start of the season, Hart produced a magnificent double save to deny David Ngog and Fernando Torres at a time when Liverpool were threatening a comeback.

"If Liverpool score that goal, the match changes," said Mancini.

"Joe saved very well. He is responding to the faith I have shown in him.

"It was difficult for me to make this decision because I have two fantastic goalkeepers.

"At this moment I choose Joe but I hope Shay can stay with us because we need two big goalkeepers."

The only bad news for City was confirmation that new arrival Mario Balotelli will not make Thursday's Europa League qualifier second leg with Timisoara after failing to recover from a knee injury.