City ready to hit top gear in title race

Defender Pablo Zabaleta accepts the second half of the season is when Manchester City have to step up their game.

Although their 100% home record remains intact after nine matches it was given a severe examination by Liverpool in a 2-1 win on Stephen’s Day.

That moved City into second place in the league, just a point behind Arsenal, and with struggling Crystal Palace visiting today there is a chance for them to go top ahead of the Gunners’ encounter tomorrow at Newcastle.