Pep Guardiola believes Manchester City will experience "bad moments" this term as they fight with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United for the Premier League title.
The City boss explained this is a "weird season" and he expects there to be a number of twists and turns before all is said and done in the hunt for glory.
Liverpool played out a disappointing 0-0 draw with Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday and have only taken three points from their last four Premier League matches.
That has seen the Reds slip to fourth in the table, with United two points ahead of City in first place but the latter having a game in hand.
Guardiola told Sky Sports: "Crystal Palace. I'm not able to say much further. I'm pretty sure there will be bad moments during the season.
"It's not a problem, we fought a lot when we were eight points behind before we played Southampton. We fought to be there and we will fight a lot to maintain to be there. Many things will happen, it's a weird season.
"That's why I don't think about the position in the table, what will happen in the future is rest well and prepare for Aston Villa."
Guardiola also described how City's improved form over the last two months has been built on a solid defence.
He said: "All the managers when we handle top sides we are fortunate to have this quality. We can organise defences or attack but in the final third with Kevin's assist or Gundogan or Raheem. Today John was in the fire in the second ball in the box. It was easier. We are fortunate to have these top players.
"We are a team we try to play the same like the last seasons but this season the back four we don't make mistakes. In the past last season we made a lot of mistakes to give the opponents goals. This season if they score goals we applaud them and be solid. It doesn't matter who plays but Ruben and John play because others are injured.
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"It gives us the confidence. The most important thing is we don't concede much and shots on target because it's fundamental for our game.
"Since we arrived here it was last season that was the worst. The goals against Norwich and many games. The years we were champions we were solid behind. We haven't changed much, individual quality, Ruben helps a lot, John grew up. Everyone was settled. The commitment for everyone, how the others fought, didn't leave them time to think."
