Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany admits they're finding it difficult as defending champions.

Last season, City were in blistering form as they won 14 of their 17 Premier League matches before Christmas - dropping just seven points along the way.

Kompany admits they have found teams that bit more determined this season and as a result the tag of being champions has weighed heavily on them.

He said: "Of course, as champions you start most games as favourites to win.

"Teams tend to sit back a little bit more and wait for you to take the game to them - then try and catch you on the counter-attack.

"Teams may have more respect but they are not naive and that makes each game a bit trickier. But it's an honour to be defending the Premier League, so you have to take everything that comes with it."

Kompany added: "In my mind, there is no difference other than we now know we can do it so if we apply ourselves correctly we can win it again."