Pep Guardiola believes his Manchester City side can still improve, despite scoring 22 goals in their last five matches.
The Sky Blues trounced Crystal Palace at the Etihad on Saturday, putting them on top of the Premier League table, ahead of rivals Manchester United on goal difference.
And Guardiola claims that an increase in competition within his squad can still help his players continue to get better.
"The know it and they feel it," he said. "They know the players alongside them are all playing well, that's the best way.
"You're not going to have every player playing three games in a row for 11 months, so we need that competition.
"If the next guy is playing good, they have to play good. They have to keep winning. That's how you get the best performances.
"We need Ilkay Gundogan back to put pressure on Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva.
"Danilo at left-back was outstanding, how aggressive he was in defence and attack. So everybody has to push the other ones.
"And there is still so much we can improve."