Manchester City attacker Riyad Mahrez sends title warning to Premier League rivals

Manchester City forward Riyad Mahrez has suggested that the team's consistent focus on silverware has been important in the impressive start to the new season.

The 31-year-old scored the third goal of the game as Pep Guardiola's side secured a 4-0 win over Southampton at the Etihad on Saturday afternoon. Joao Cancelo opened the scoring for City against the Saints, before Phil Foden, Erling Haaland and Mahrez all got on the scoresheet.

City have only lost one game so far this term, which came against Liverpool in the Community Shield in July. However, the reigning Premier League champions are yet to taste defeat in the league and have registered a staggering 44 goals in their opening 12 matches in all competitions.

ALSO READ: De Bruyne surpasses Dennis Bergkamp in Man City win vs Southampton

While Norwegian frontman Haaland has stolen the majority of headlines after scoring 20 times already this term, Mahrez has insisted that Guardiola's side are motivated to go far in every competition, which he believes has helped their early season form.

"It is good, like every season. Nothing changes and that is why we have been able to be one of the best teams. Every season we are there, we are very focused, everyone works and runs for each other, and we have to keep going. That is the way we are built," said the Algerian forward.

"It is very good and we are in a good moment. To be fair, every season we are in that way because we work hard and we are very focused. When we have this focus, this resilience and this consistency we make it difficult for our opponents. We have to keep going."

Mahrez also lauded his teammate Haaland for his electric start to the campaign, praising his mindset to put missed opportunities behind him and