Manchester City are displaying a new mental quality in this season's title race that they lacked in previous seasons, according to their latest matchwinner Kevin De Bruyne.
City were tactically perfect in their Premier League win over closest rivals Chelsea on Saturday, keeping the game tight and scoring a second half winner through De Bruyne's brilliant solo goal.
The win moves City 13 points clear of Chelsea, effectively ending their title challenge, meaning Liverpool are the only side realistically capable of stopping them retain their crown.
De Bruyne explained after the game that key to City's huge win was remaining patient during a close game before taking their chance, something they've added to their game this season in comparison to previous title races where they may have tried to force the issue when the stakes are high.
He said: “Sometimes it is [difficult], but I think we do better year by year. I think the second half was a little bit too open sometimes and then it makes it really difficult to control the game.
"But we didn’t give too much away, maybe a little bit at the beginning, but the team did very well in that aspect.
"It is a significant moment for us and it keeps our run going. In big games it is important to get as many points as possible. We have done that very well this year, so we just need to keep going, work hard and try to win the games.
“Let’s hope we do the same next week. I know at the moment that we get a lot of praise as individuals and as a team, but we need to keep going. The more points we can take, the tougher it becomes for the opponent. But it is only January, so we need to work hard, keep our heads down and then maybe good things will come.”
De Bruyne also noted that City were prepared for Chelsea's tactical approach to the game, even when they changed system in the second half - another factor that comes with experience of such title-deciding contests.
He explained: “We spoke about it [on Friday] because they have been pressing a little bit differently where one of the wing-backs was going into a 4-4-2, but I think in the first half they didn’t really do that. They tried to do it in the second half and I think that is why there were some more spaces in between the lines.
"Obviously I don’t know what their tactics were before the game but they played a system that they always play and what they are very good at.”
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