Ilkay Gundogan has insisted Manchester City did not use Liverpool's title triumph as motivation at the start of the campaign.
Pep Guardiola 's side have responded to last season's disappointment in fantastic style and lead Liverpool by 10 points, and also have a game in hand.
City's 15-match winning run in all competitions has made them massive favourites to win a third title in four years, with Gundogan at the centre of their impressive form after a recent spout of goals.
The 30-year-old said City were determined to wrestle back their title this term but their drive to do so wasn't aided by the possibility of revenge.
"I mean, at the end of the day, football is a sport, in sport, you win and you also lose," Gundogan said. "Of course, you always want to be on the winning side. It's why we play the game, why we're athletes and why we're all so ambitious. I always believe when you don't lose and don't go through this frustration, the anger you can't appreciate the nice moments when you win.
"You can enjoy these moments even more. I take it as it is, as every sportsman will do. I feel like when someone else wins, they probably deserved it. Whether it's me personally or us as a team, we will try to do better next time.
"That's what we said at the start of the season and we want to do better."
Gundogan was named Premier League Player of the Month for January after scoring five times and registering one assist.
The midfielder has made a habit of arriving into the penalty area to finish off sweeping moves, whilst also scoring spectacular goals from outside the area.
"I don't know what's made the difference, I'm playing in a more offensive role, maybe my hunger to arrive in the right spaces, the right moments, it increased compared to other seasons," he explained. "I try to be there, to help my team as much as possible, not just offensively but defensively I try to win duels, block shots, wherever I'm needed.
"The games are so intense, I have to prepare as well as possible in training sessions and at home. I try to give myself the best possible rest to be ready for every single game."
