Hart fully justified his selection at White Hart Lane this afternoon as big-spending City somehow survived a first-half onslaught to head back to the north west with a goalless draw.
But that will be no consolation to Republic of Ireland star Given, who revealed last week he would consider quitting the club if he lost his place in goal.
New England number one Hart made a similar threat, meaning City boss Mancini is under real pressure to let one of his internationals leave.
The Italian refused to reveal what he would do were a rival club to bid for Given before the transfer window closes.
"I hope it doesn't arrive. I hope that Shay can stay here with us," said the Italian, who confirmed Hart would be his number one "for now".
"We have time, another 20 days, until the end of the market.
"I respect every decision but I hope that Shay stays here."
He added: "At this moment, Joe plays.
"Because we have four competitions, we need Shay.
"I'm sorry for one goalkeeper but today I chose Joe and I'm very happy to have Shay Given.
"I spoke to him.
"He's a big name, he's a big goalkeeper, he respects my decision."
The keeper controversy perhaps prevented Mancini from giving Hart due credit for what was a world-class performance.
The 23-year-old produced a string of wonder-saves from Jermain Defoe, Tom Huddlestone and Benoit Assou-Ekotto to keep Spurs at bay.
City, who handed debuts to three of their summer signings - Aleksandar Kolarov, David Silva and Yaya Toure - improved after the break, allowing Mancini to shrug off their first-half malaise.
"I think that this point here, after the first half, is a good signal for us," he said.
"I think that we must improve but we're missing four, five players.
"I think that we need three or four weeks together."
He added: "Tottenham played with the same team they played last year.
"For us, it's different, and Tottenham is a good team.
"I think in the second half we improved our play."
Mancini is hoping to wrap up the signing of James Milner on Sunday, while Mario Balotelli did not feature after completing his move from Inter Milan on Friday.
Carlos Tevez was named captain ahead of Kolo Toure, with Mancini stating he felt it would be good for the striker to lead the side.
The City boss was also hopeful Kolarov would be fit for Thursday's Europa League play-off first leg at FC Timisoara after he twisted his ankle.
What do you think? Have your say.
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Tom "now back here", manchester (16/08/2010 at 09:38)
After the onslaught we faced in the first half with Spurs we will need to play with two keepers anyway. Priceless
bubba, cleethorpes (16/08/2010 at 09:40)
Bert Trautmann's FG42 , The Eastern Front of Manchester (16/08/2010 at 10:28)
King of the kippax (16/08/2010 at 11:25)
Evan Georgiou (16/08/2010 at 11:43)
Ian, West Sussex (16/08/2010 at 16:35)
Neil Allen (16/08/2010 at 17:26)
That goes for all the rest of the squad places as well, let them know that you are the boss, you will select the team based on who you believe to be best capable of collecting the points we need and getting a result from any selected game.
The best thing that has been done this summer, is Nedum Onouha palmed off to Sunderland, Craig Bellamy told to stay away from the Club and training, until they find him a new employer and Ireland told to train with those more akin to the same talents as him.....the reserves.