Roberto Mancini hailed Manchester City's 6-1 victory over Manchester United as a landmark in his club's progress - but believes the Red Devils are still the superior side.
City were leading 1-0 at half-time at Old Trafford courtesy of Mario Balotelli but ran the Red Devils ragged after Jonny Evans' red card two minutes after the restart.
Balotelli scored a second, substitute Edin Dzeko scored twice and David Silva and Sergio Aguero also netted, with Darren Fletcher with the home side's consolation.
The Premier League leaders have now taken their points tally to 25 in nine games with 33 goals scored.
Mancini said: "This is only one game. I still think United are one yard above us, still.
"I think we can only change this after we win the title in the end.
"After, maybe it will be different, but now United are better than us."
The Italian also feels City have room for improvement.
He said: "I'm satisfied because we beat United away and I don't think there are a lot of teams that could win here.
"I think this game is important because we beat them at Old Trafford but not for the 6-1.
"This is important for our supporters and maybe for the goals in the table. I am happy with the three points.
"But I think we need to improve more if we want to stay on the top a long time. We need to work more."
Balotelli has now scored six goals in his last five games but, despite signs of improving maturity, continues to court controversy off the field.
The Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed they were called to the 21-year-old's home in Macclesfield after a firework went off in his bathroom.
Mancini said: "I don't know what happened about the fireworks.
"The important thing is Mario and his friend were okay.
"For today, Mario played very well. If we want to talk about Mario as a football player, I put him in the first five players in the world.
"The problem is his age, he is young and maybe sometimes can do some mistakes.
"As a player, he is incredible.
"I hope for him - for football in general - we arrive at the day when Mario has changed completely his mind because after this he becomes one of the best three players in the world, like (Lionel) Messi, like Cristiano Ronaldo."
