Everton's Gylfi Sigurdsson has warned neighbours Liverpool they haven't won the Premier League yet while imploring his own side to make the most of a tight division and start climbing the table.
Sigurdsson , who is in the Turkish Mediterranean city of Antalya, preparing for Iceland's crucial Euro 2020 qualifier against Turkey in Istanbul on Thursday, has been speaking to his compatriots about life back in England.
Asked if Liverpool – now odds on favourites for the crown – already have the title wrapped up, Sigurdsson told Fotbolti.net – via Sport Witness: “No, no, so much can happen over December and January.
“Didn't they have a good head start last year? There is a lot of games ahead.
“Liverpool are very strong, and this was hugely compelling against City. It's still November, so there's plenty of time left.
“If Liverpool continue to play as they have been, it will be difficult to catch them, but City can completely get on track and win lots of games in a row.”
Although Marco Silva's men are only 15th in the table, they are only three points behind newly-promoted Sheffield United in fifth place and Sigurdsson has urged his team-mates to start showing their potential.
He said: “It's extremely important to build from the Southampton game going forward.
“It was a strong showing to get the equaliser against Tottenham, followed by three points.
“There are some tough games ahead of us. We have Norwich at home next and then four very tough games on the way.”
He added: “You always have faith (that the team will improve), but you don't know what will happen.
“There's not much to choose between many of the clubs.
“It's time for us to start climbing up the table.
“It's not just ourselves (who have under-achieved), you can name teams like Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
“There are only three points between ourselves and fifth place which is really amazing considering how things have been with us.
“The league is such that if you put together three results in a row you will jump up four or five places.
“There are lots of games ahead and it's a fun time when there is little time for training but plenty of games.”