Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta believes that his side are more focussed this season because "expectations have changed".

City won the Premier League title last season, a year after winning the FA Cup, and the Argentine claims that everyone wants to see them lose this term.

"We have come a long way in the last four years and the expectations have changed," said the 27-year-old.

"It's normal that when you win the title, people will knock you at the first opportunity. You are up there to be shot at and we take it all on the chin.

"It happens at other clubs. It's just the way things are."

City are currently second in the league table with 25 points from 11 matches, two points behind leaders Manchester United.