City missed the chance to seize the initiative in the race for fourth place in the Barclays Premier League as Everton ended their unbeaten home record with a 2-0 win at Eastlands on Wednesday.

But City, who play fourth-placed Tottenham in their penultimate game of the season, still control their own fate and Mancini has spelled out the task ahead of Monday's clash with Wigan.

The Italian told the club's website, www.mcfc.co.uk: "I just want the players to treat every game like it's a Champions League final and always give 200% for the team.

"This is the only way we can improve and get to where we want to be.

"In many ways, our destiny is still in our own hands."

Wednesday was also an eventful night off the field as the game ended with an extraordinary touchline scuffle between Mancini and opposite number David Moyes.

Mancini was today charged with improper conduct by the Football Association for his role in the confrontation. He has until April 6 to respond.

The bust-up was sparked by Moyes catching the ball, an action Mancini considered time-wasting.

There have also been reports of two other unrelated incidents surrounding the game.

The first concerns an apparent row in the directors' box between City chief executive Garry Cook and businessman George Downing, who was a guest of Everton.

Neither club have commented on the matter officially but it is thought the matter has been resolved and is considered closed.

City have also not commented on a claim that their striker Craig Bellamy made an audible remark in support of Moyes in relation to the Mancini fracas in the tunnel after the game.

Mancini's prime concern is getting back to winning ways after what he felt was a positive performance against Everton, in spite of the result.

He said: "It's difficult sometimes, but we've all been playing football a long time and we know that occasionally, these things can happen.

"Everton are a very good team and each time they have played us this season they have performed like it was a cup final.

"But, despite this, I don't think Shay (Given) even had a shot to save before they scored and I thought it was a game that may perhaps finish 0-0.

"We tried hard and just never got the breaks we needed."

City, meanwhile, have handed a new four-year contract to 19-year-old Belgian defender Dedryck Boyata.

The Academy graduate has caught the eye after breaking into the first team since the appointment of Mancini in December.

Boyata said: "I still can't believe how fast things have moved for me in the past few months.

"I knew there were discussions going on about me but I stayed completely out of it and just focused on my game.

"City are one of the best clubs in Europe and I couldn't be happier."