Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has called on his charges to secure as high a finish in the Premier League as possible.

The Citizens are out of the title race as they sit 12 points behind leaders Chelsea, who have a game in hand, but managed to secure a 2-0 win against West Ham United on Sunday to cement their hold on fourth place.

Pellegrini told BBC Sport: "It was important to win because we come from two defeats. We must continue working altogether and it is very important to finish as near to the top of the table as possible."

City's next game is at home to Aston Villa next weekend.