Zabaleta says City will respond

Manchester City right-back Pablo Zabaleta knows the champions are under pressure to perform as Manchester United continue to control the Premier League title race.

City began 2013 with a routine 3-0 win over Stoke at the Etihad Stadium but they remain seven points off the pace.

City lost ground as they were beaten in the Manchester derby just over three weeks ago and then suffered a shock loss at Sunderland on St Stephen’s Day.