Joe Hart still believes that Manchester City have what it takes to retain their Premier League title.

The Sky Blues saw local rivals Manchester United’s advantage at the top of the table extended to nine points over the weekend, after failing to beat Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium.

Despite the gap, Hart is confident that City can reel in the Red Devils and maintain their status as England’s top club side:

"We have got to be. There is no point turning up otherwise. We have got to win every game and look not to drop any points. It is a good challenge for us.” He is quoted by Sky Sports.

"We will always be in it, but unfortunately it's a big gap, getting too big for our liking.

"You have to move forward, and that means we have to beat Southampton next week. We are nine points behind with 13 games to go, so we need the win."

Hart had gone 584 minutes of league football without conceding before Daniel Sturridge netted Liverpool’s opening goal on Sunday.

The England international goalkeeper was happy with his team’s display, but feels that they must turn draws into wins if they are to keep pace with leaders United:

"We need to do what we have done in the last seven games, when we won six and drew one.

"Of course we have now drawn again, and that is enough of the draws. We need to start winning."

Many had predicted that City would secure all three points against Liverpool, with the Anfield club having made a stuttering start to their season.

But, Hart believes that they are improving and will continue to develop under Brendan Rodgers:

"They are a good side and I think they have finally worked out what the manager wants from them. They are a really tough side to play against.

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