Joleon Lescott is certain that Pep Guardiola and his squad will approach the international break undeterred by their Premier League leadership.

However, the former City defender considers it intimidating that rival contenders will have to contend with a team that has captured five of the last six championships.

After 12 games, City is situated one point behind a congested top of the table; the gap between the top five positions is a mere three points.

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

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

“Since this group of players and the coach are accustomed to competing for the championship and being in such circumstances, I do not believe it will be a problem.”

“When Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool examine the table and determine, ‘We must catch Man City, and you can only do so if they surrender points,’ they are confronted with a greater challenge.”

“Their deeds are without consequence; [City] is capable of duplicating their results.” Ten to twelve-game winning stretches have been documented; this has come to represent the established convention for the club.

Notwithstanding being held to a thrilling 4-4 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on account of Cole Palmer’s late penalty, the month that has transpired since the previous international break has been exceptionally productive.

Another guest, Kolo Toure, was impressed by the squad’s perseverance after City advanced to the knockout stages of the Champions League by sweeping all competitions with five victories in six matches.

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

“They must ascertain that, but everything is splendid for the time being.” Notwithstanding our draw with Chelsea, they are making progress in the standings. It is imperative that the club develops a winning mentality, and I am certain that they will do so.

“Other clubs ought to be apprehensive, as City can be challenging to pass when they hold the lead.”

The summer acquisitions of Mateo Kovacic, Josko Gvardiol, Jeremy Doku, and Matheus Nunes, in Lescott’s opinion, have contributed to the team’s ongoing pursuit of success.

Furthermore, he posits that John Stones and Kevin De Bruyne have the potential to aid in the preservation of vitality subsequent to their recuperation from injury setbacks.

“As a result of their injuries, John Stones and Kevin De Bruyne will be like brand-new players,” he continued.

“Therefore, you will have a group of players who are not only excited to be back on the training field but also eager to return to action.”

“Wind alone does not cultivate an indomitable mindset, self-assurance, or drive.”