We're No Better Than OK - Manchester City's Mark Hughes

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes has admitted his side’s early season form coupled with increased expectations at Eastlands are the reasons behind his side’s current winless run.

The Citizens were held to their fifth consecutive draw in the Premier League yesterday and have failed to taste victory in the league since September.

Although the Sky Blues remain in sixth place in the table, the Welshman admitted that raised expectations and opposition teams raising their game when facing his side were making it difficult for his players.

“Maybe we are suffering because of increased expectation," the City boss was quoted by the Press Association as saying.

"We did start the season very strongly. But obviously teams have had a chance to look at how we are going to set up, what personnel is going to be playing and what formation we are going to use.

"It is giving them the chance to frustrate us and capitalise on areas where they think they can gain an advantage.

"What we have to do is make sure we recognise what teams are trying to do - and still win games."

The former Manchester United striker went on to reveal that whilst he was relatively pleased with the way his side had started the season, he did feel there was room for improvement.

“We are 11 games into the season and we have done okay - no more, no less,” he added.

"As I warned everybody before the start of the season, at times we will look what we are - a team coming together and trying to gel. On other occasions, it will happen for us - and we will look an outstanding side.

"There are elements of our play that we need to tighten up on. When we do that, the threat we have in an attacking sense will stand us in good stead."

Next up for City is a trip to Anfield to take on troubled Liverpool with Hughes admitting he expected his side to get back to winning ways quickly.   

“We are just having a little period where we are not quite able to make best use of the advantages we have," Hughes concluded.

"But it will turn out to our benefit very soon. I am sure about that."

Gill Clark, Goal.com UK