Support from the fans will be crucial, says Zabaleta

“That support from the fans always will be crucial.”

Manchester City face seven more league games with an FA Cup semi-final against Southampton on the horizon too as we aim to end the season in the best way possible.

The former defender spent nine years with the Blues and played a crucial role in our 2011-12 Premier League triumph and explained the pressure of the final weeks.

“Absolutely, togetherness,” he explained on what the key ingredients and mental fortitude are required at this stage.

“The team spirit you always need for the final push at the end of the season.

“Sometimes, at the end of April and the beginning of May, it’s a difficult time and stage of the season where some players may feel tired with the amount of games.

“But, it’s just about bringing everyone together.

“With that defeat of Arsenal over Bournemouth last week, it’s lifted the spirit of everyone thinking now the chance is still there to win the Premier League.

“Then, game-by-game, at the end of the day that we say before that every game is difficult in the Premier League.

“So just approach every game with the same mentality. Thinking that you won’t find a team that’s an easy game, so just play every game 100%, with the right mentality and then the quality will make the difference.

“We know City has quality with enough players in the final third to make the difference.

“Defensively just be solid, don’t concede easy goals and that’s the way to win games.

“Hopefully, they can put in a good performance on the weekend.”