City manager Pellegrini believe's that despite being eight points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea it is still too early to write off City's chances of a successful defence of the title.

City have 21 points after winning six and drawing three of their opening 11 games,while Chelsea are still unbeaten with nine victories.

“Now is not the moment to analyse what has happened in the season. There are a lot of games to play in the Premier League and Champions League,” the Chilian told Sky Sports News HQ.

“We have 27 more games to play and there are a lot of points (to be contested), so we will see at the end who will be the best team this year.”

Pellegrini was this week inducted into the League Managers Association’s Hall of Fame after guiding City to the title in his first season in charge.

“It’s a very important honour, the Hall of Fame, for managers who have made an important achievement in English football, so it is an honour to be with them,” said Pellegrini.

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