Ilkay Gundogan has claimed that Manchester City boast a perfect blend of style and substance which could see them extend their record-breaking winning run further.
Pep Guardiola's side became the first team to win 14 successive English top-flight games in a single season with Sunday's 2-1 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford to move 11 points clear of their rivals at the top of the table.
Gundogan insists that Man City's players and coaches are not getting ahead of themselves but believes that the ingredients for success are present in the current team.
"We knew that it is going to be difficult [against United] because they have very quick players up front, strong players, so we expected a lot of long balls," the 27-year-old told The Telegraph. "But the way we defend, especially our back four defending these kind of balls, was amazing.
"It's definitely not easy to come here, to play the way we've played and especially to win that game. It about a lot of mentality, a lot of heart and bravery to do these kind of things.
"We were brave enough to play, or to play our game. It's not about expecting something, it's just about doing what we are able to do. We know that this is completely the right way and we know if we do it well, we have all the chances to win every game."
Man City's current tally of 46 points would have been good enough to finish eighth in the table last season.
Giuseppe Labellarte
