Joleon Lescott is confident that Pep Guardiola and his squad will not be deterred by their Premier League leadership heading into the international break.

Nevertheless, the former City defender believes that the fact that rival contenders must contend with a team that has won five of the last six championships could be intimidating.

City are one point adrift of a congested top of the table after 12 games of the season, with only three points separating the top five positions.

However, precisely one year ago, City were five points atop the standings heading into the World Cup following a home loss to Brentford, but they rallied to win the championship.

“The opposition is more devastated,” stated Lescott, one of our special guests on the most recent Matchday Live program on Sunday.

“I believe it will not be an issue for this group of players or the coach, as they are accustomed to competing for the championship and being in such situations.

“Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool face a greater challenge when they examine the table and conclude, ‘We must catch Man City, and you can only do so if they surrender points.'”

“Their actions are inconsequential; [City] can replicate their outcomes. They have experienced winning streaks of ten to twelve games; this has become the new norm for the club.

Despite being denied a victory in an exhilarating 4-4 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge due to Cole Palmer’s late penalty, the month following the last international break has been extraordinarily fruitful.

Kolo Toure, a fellow guest, was impressed by the squad’s determination after City advanced to the knockout phases of the Champions League with five victories in six matches across all competitions.

“This season is going to be more difficult because winning the Champions League and attempting to complete the Treble will cause you to lose a little hunger,” the former City star explained.

“They must discover that, but for the time being, everything is splendid. They are advancing in the standings despite our draw with Chelsea. The establishment of a winning mentality by the club is crucial, and I have no doubt that they will be present.

“Other teams should be concerned because City can be difficult to catch when they are in first place.”

Lescott is of the opinion that the summer acquisitions of Mateo Kovacic, Josko Gvardiol, Jeremy Doku, and Matheus Nunes have contributed to the team’s continued drive for success.

Moreover, he asserts that John Stones and Kevin De Bruyne can assist in maintaining vitality once they have recovered from injury setbacks.

“John Stones and Kevin De Bruyne will be like brand-new players due to their injuries,” he continued.

“They will be eager to return to action, so you will have a group of players who are eager to play and simply thrilled to be back on the training field.”

“Winning alone does not foster a mindset, confidence, or motivation that are indomitable.”