Source: SKY_Sports
City spirit pleases Given
Shay Given has hailed the camaraderie which has been established within the Manchester City camp.
The Blues are expected to push for a top four finish in the Premier League this season after spending big over the summer.
Fresh faces are no guarantee of success, though, and that is a fact not lost on experienced shot-stopper Given.
City have, however, made a bright start to the season, with a battling 1-1 draw at Wigan on Sunday keeping them in touching distance of the leaders.
Given feels the showing at the DW Stadium proved just how far City have come this term, with Mark Hughes' men overcoming the disappointment of going a goal down and seeing Pablo Zabaleta dismissed to snatch a well-earned point.
"We showed great team spirit to get something out of that game," said the Republic of Ireland international.
Dig deep"A few weeks ago, Chelsea went down to 10 men here and lost. Probably last year exactly the same would have happened to us.
"Instead we showed we can dig deep together. It proves we are not just a team of individuals as some people have suggested. There is great team spirit and togetherness in our dressing room as well."
City currently sit fifth in the top flight standings, and have a game in hand on most of the sides around them, but Given is keen to point out that there is a long way to go before anyone at Eastlands can start celebrating their achievements.
"The expectation has increased, not just because of the money but the results as well," he added.
"We had to gel the team together to get results and so far that side of things has gone really well.
"But we are only at the end of October and the trophies don't get handed out until May. The aim is to be there then."
