David Silva admits Manchester City haven't been firing on all cylinders.
He sent a clear message to his team-mates calling on them to shape up following the midweek Capital One Cup KO by Aston Villa.
Silva, 26, said: "The truth is we didn't play good football, we have to improve, like last year when we started very well.
"We have to get back to that level and to find that we have to work hard to do so as soon as possible.
"We haven't started as everyone wanted to but we're still in the fight for the title. The League has just started as has the Champions League."