Manuel Pellegrini has dismissed suggestions that Manchester City's form early in the season has handed the Premier League title to Chelsea.

City's loss to West Ham United on Saturday has left them third in the table, six points behind leaders Chelsea, but Pellegrini is confident that his side will follow the example they set last season by improving as the campaign progresses.

"Last year [at this stage], we had one point less than this year in the table. We didn't start as well as I wanted last year, but we still won the league," the Chilean told reporters.

"Surely, with 87 points still to play for, nobody can think it is finished? Yes, this year, maybe, we are playing in irregular form. But I am sure we will return to be the same team we were in the most important part of last season."

City meet Newcastle United in the League Cup on Wednesday before returning to Premier League action against Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.