Vincent Kompany says Manchester City are showing the necessary steel needed to make a Premiership title challenge.

He puts that down to a noticeable change in attitude within the dressing room, helped by those summer arrivals which also included experienced internationals in Arsenal and Everton centre-backs Kolo Toure and Joleon Lescott and Villa midfielder Gareth Barry.

"That is why we are a better side. Everybody would agree we had some terrific players last season as well but the mentality was nowhere near what it is this year," said Kompany.

"We go into games knowing the opposition is not stronger than us. We work hard for each other.

"When one player is injured, another steps in and we can expect the same from him. That is why we are a good side.

"It is hard to get into the team but that will only make us stronger. It is definitely a positive."

Kompany hopes his substitute appearance at the DW Stadium will be a stepping-stone to him regaining his starting place after a difficult pre-season.

"I did a lot of hard work during the holiday period and came back but after three training sessions I knew I had to go for an operation," he added. "Everything has been going so well for the team, so I was happy from that point of view but frustrated I could not be a part of it.

"From now on I will be there, so I am happy to be back."