Comparing the Premier League top five of 2012/13 with this season as Arsenal and Chelsea improve

Manchester City

12/13 finish: 2nd, 78 points.

After 16 games 12/13: 2nd, 33 points.

After 16 games 13/14: 4th, 32 points.

A pretty consistent start for new boss Manuel Pellegrini, who has sensed that the Chilean has arguably the best squad of all the title challengers and impressive victories over Arsenal and rivals United only confirms this.