Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has said that there is no shame if the club finishes second in the league this term.

The reigning Premier League champions are currently placed second in the league level on points with third-placed Arsenal but behind runaway leaders Chelsea by 10.

It looks extremely unlikely that City will make it back-to-back titles but Pellegrini defended his time by pointing out the intense competition in the league and the unrealistic expectations on his club to win the title every year.

"We are not playing so, so bad because we have been second the whole season," he said following Saturday's 3-2 win against Aston Villa.

"We've made a lot of mistakes. We must improve, but it is different when you think the only team that must win the title is our team. I don't agree with that.

"All of us want to be successful, but if the only way to be successful is to win titles every year it's very frustrating for you because you have another five teams that are as strong as your team.

"I'm not happy if we don't win the title. Of course I want to win the title, but if for some reason we don't finish second I don't think it is a shame."