Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini believes rival teams are scared to play at Eastlands after his Premier League leaders beat Stoke 3-0 on Wednesday.

Two goals from Sergio Aguero and one from winger Adam Johnson secured a routine three points which mean City have won 17 and drawn one of the 18 league games they have played at home in the calendar year 2011.

More than that, however, since December 2010 and a defeat against Everton, City have played 29 home games in all competitions, winning 27 of them and drawing twice – against Fulham in the Premier League and Napoli in the Champions League.

Stoke’s toothless and defensive performance, in which they failed to register a single shot on target against Mancini’s side, showed how much opponents now dread a visit to play his club.

“It’s the same thing that happens against (Manchester) United,” said Mancini.

“All the teams that play against United play with fear and don’t attack because United have been a top team for a very long time.

“Probably now, against us, some teams have a problem and they play in a different way. It’s a great thing but sometimes it would be better to have a good, open match and have a good match for both teams.

“I’m happy to be at the top at Christmas, I’m happy for our supporters, they can have a good Christmas Day but I think it’s important to stay there at the end of the season and this will be difficult.

“United continue to win every game, Arsenal and Tottenham. But it is better to be at the top than second.”