Saturday 19 September 2015 12:18, UK
Bacary Sagna says Manchester City are intent at repairing their tarnished reputation after their disappointing performance last season.
Champions of 2013/14, City relinquished their Premier League title to Chelsea last term as Manuel Pellegrini's side finished eight points adrift of the Blues.
However, City have got off to a blistering start this season, winning their opening five fixtures without conceding a goal to open up an 11-point lead over Chelsea.
And, speaking exclusively to Sky Sports ahead of their Saturday Night Football clash with West Ham, Sagna revealed the driving force behind City's imperious early-season form.
"The manager didn't have to say anything, we knew we didn't deliver and had a bad season (last season)," the France international said.
"We had a long season last season and it did not go as we expected because we got knocked out of the competitions quite quickly.
"Now we want to dictate the game and we want to change the pace of the team to change the pace of the game.
"When we have the chance to impose ourselves on our opponents we try and show them we are better.
"That has led us to first position today. We've managed to win five games out of five so now we want to keep that going.
"Maybe we were a bit too confident (last season) - we were stepping into the games a bit too comfortable.
"That's why we got punished because the other teams in the league have quality players."
City entertain a West Ham side who have produced two stunning away victories so far this season, with the Hammers claiming an opening-day win at Arsenal before thrashing Liverpool at Anfield a fortnight ago.
Meanwhile, City head into the game on the back of an unconvincing late victory at Crystal Palace, followed by a defeat to Juventus in the Champions League.
And Sagna has challenged his team-mates to maintain their perfect start in the league by bouncing back in style against the Hammers.
"We have to play game-by-game and stay focused," Sagna added.
"We didn't really play well in the first half at Crystal Palace, which means whenever you drop a bit we can be in trouble.
"We were in trouble during the first half at Palace, but we are a strong team and now we want to react.
"We learn from those games and we want to step up for the whole game against West Ham."
Watch Manchester City v West Ham live on Saturday night Football, 5pm, Sky Sports 1 HD
