Joe Hart has admitted that Manchester City are feeling the pressure of leading the Premier League but insisted that his side are still “the team to beat”.
City only lead Manchester United on goal difference after a poor run of form has seen them secure just two points from their last three trips away from the Etihad Stadium, with their last result being a goalless draw at West Brom.
Chasing their first league title since 1968, their slight drop in form has coincided with a resurgence from United, who have had back-to-back 5-0 victories at Fulham and at home to Wigan Athletic.
Hart, however, still feels City are the side everyone is trying to catch, although he admitted things were not as easy as they had looked a few weeks ago.
“Of course we feel the pressure. Everyone felt the pressure from West Brom. We felt the pressure from [Peter] Odemwingie and Shane Long .There is all sorts of pressure,” he told reporters.
“But we’re applying pressure as well, which is what makes it so good.”
The England goalkeeper added: “Let them make a lot of what they want.
“We’re top of the league, still playing well, still creating chances. We’re the team to beat and we’re enjoying that.
“It’s not always going to be as easy as we’ve made it look, and that was proved.
“The league is not set up for us to win it. Everyone has their private little things that they’re doing: if they’re not challenging for the title they’re challenging for Europe, if they’re not challenging for Europe they want to stay above the relegation zone, so everyone has got their own agendas and that makes for a great league.”
City’s 0-0 draw at the Hawthorns was the first time they had been shut out this season and Hart praised West Brom for their play in earning a hard-fought point.
“At the end of it, we want to be winning games but if you aren’t winning it’s still nice to have that cushion of being top of the league. You have got to earn this title. It’s hard work,” he said.
“Of course it’s disappointing. West Brom have set out for a point and they got it.
“We need to be winning these games but we haven’t and we move on. West Brom were brilliant.”