Manuel Pellegrini believes that Manchester City are returning to their title-winning form of the previous campaign following last night's win over Sunderland.

The 4-1 victory at the Stadium of Light was the Citizens' fourth in a row in all competitions, which has seen them re-emerge as contenders to retain their league crown.

"We are returning to the performances we had last season," Pellegrini told reporters following the game. "If we continue playing this way of course we will fight for the title, but I think three or four other teams will also be there."

City, who trail leaders Chelsea by six points at the summit, return to action on Saturday evening when they host Everton at the Etihad Stadium.