Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany says that he is happy with the teams start to the season after two wins and a draw sees them in fourth place in the league.

 The Citizens of course find themselves as the favourites for the title for the first time in many years and now need to cope with what is expected of them.

Kompany, who is currently on international duty with Belgium said: "We have seven points out of nine and have won the Community Shield against Chelsea so things haven't started too badly.

"Everything was flying in this time last season so we were effectively winning games earlier and making things easier for ourselves.

"I think this season will be a lot more competitive than last year - just look at the talent that has come into the Premier League during the summer. I don't think any sides around us are weaker - they have all strengthened so getting victories at this stage of the season is the most important thing."

If City are to defend their title, then make no doubt about it – Kompany will need to be as dominant and demanding at the back as he was in the last campaign.

He is what makes them tick and is a natural leader, and most importantly – a very good central defender.

The Belgian international has formed a good partnership with Joleon Lescott at the back and the two of them need to stay fit and be part of the spine of the team along with Joe Hart, Yaya Toure and Carlos Tevez (while Sergio Aguero is injured).

If that happens, then it is difficult to look beyond Roberto Mancini’s men lifting the Premier League title for a second year in a row.

They must keep the Ethiad Stadium as a fortress and continue to pick up points on the road. City also did the double over rivals Manchester United last season, which played a huge part in delivering the silverware.

Anyone looking at placing a free bets in the next couple of weeks will see that Kompany will lead the side out at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday before a trip to Real Madrid in the Champions League and then a home match against Arsenal. After those three matches, we will really see how City are looking this season.