Roberto Mancini has said that he expects his players to learn from their loss to Sunderland and concentrate on the next game.
City squandered the chance to open a three-point lead at the top of the table as they conceded a late goal at the Stadium of Light.
However, Mancini now wants his team to forget about the poor result and focus on Tuesday night's game against Liverpool.
"We missed a big opportunity, a big chance to go three points up on [Manchester] United," said the Italian manager.
"I thought we threw three important points out of the window. It was important but now it is finished and we can do nothing.
"But at the same time, when we arrive back in Manchester, we need to think positively for the next game and for the future. We play again quickly and we should have good concentration for the next game.
City currently sit top of the Premier League on goal difference.