Manuel Pellegrini believes Manchester City are heading back to title-winning form ahead of their Premier League encounter against Everton.
City, who have lost just one of their last 11 league games, welcome the Toffees to the Etihad tomorrow and currently lie six points behind leaders Chelsea.
However, boss Pellegrini says City are now replicating last year’s displays which saw them claim the league on the final day back in May.
“I think it is similar to last season when we played at a very high level and I think we are returning to our normal performance,” he told a press conference on Friday.
“We are not thinking about the six points (behind Chelsea). We will see in January, what is the distance is between Chelsea and our team, but the only way is to continue winning.
“As a manager, you must always be thinking to improve in all senses, in defending, in possession, in attacking, in a lot of things.”
City will welcome Aleksandar Kolarov and Edin Dzeko back to the squad, though striker Steven Jovetic is set to miss the game through injury.
The striker will be out alongside David Silva and Vincent Kompany, with the latter set for a fitness test on Monday ahead of their Champions League clash against Roma next week.
Top scorer Sergio Aguero will likely lead the line once more after his scintillating display against Sunderland midweek saw City claim a comfortable 4-1 win at the Stadium of Light.
When Pellegrini was asked whether Aguero was the best striker he had ever worked with the Chilean was coy with his response.
“It is important not to compare,” he added. “He is a very good player but I have worked with Cristiano Ronaldo as well, who is probably the best striker in the world right now.”
Pablo Zabaleta shared his manager’s views, which is no surprise given that Aguero has scored 30 goals in his last 33 Premier League appearances.
“He is looking sharp, focused and his finishing has been superb,” Zabaleta told CityTV.
“This is what you expect from the best players in the world and for the team to have him playing at this level is a massive plus for us all.
“When we haven’t been at our best, his goals have made the difference. Obviously we hope that he can continue to do that until the end of the season.
“As we individually improve, we will improve as a team and I think there are signs we are getting there.”
Main image courtesy of Alex Morton/Action Images, with thanks.
