Manuel Pellegrini has insisted that he never truly believed Manchester City were heading for the Premier League title, after their early-season heroics were ended by West Ham United tonight.

The Citizens, who had not dropped a point or conceded a goal from their first five games, went down 2-1 to Slaven Bilic's side at Eastlands courtesy of first-half goals from Victor Moses and Diafra Sakho, with Kevin De Bruyne netting shortly before the break.

Their excellent form had seen Pellegrini's men move 11 points clear of defending champions Chelsea, prompting suggestions that a second title in three years was on the cards, but the Chilean is adamant that he and his troops never quite believed that was the case.

"We never believed that [City were running away with the league]," he told Sky Sports News.

"We just focus on the next game. This was a very difficult week, starting in the Champions League and after that losing again [against West Ham].

"We never believed that because we won five games that we are the champions of the Premier League."

City, who remain top, three points clear of the second-placed Hammers, are now eight points ahead of Chelsea.