Shay Given has pointed out that Manchester City are flying this season due to the great camaraderie that exists among its players.

Man City have been labeled as top four contenders in the BPL after splashing the cash on their transfer targets in the offseason.

New talent injected into the team does not mean immediate success, a fact not lost on the veteran goalkeeper.

However, City have made a great start to the new season, with a hard-earned 1-1 draw against Wigan on Saturday keeping them within striking distance of the league leaders.

Given says that the Sky Blues' performance at the DW Stadium has proved just how City have grown in the past few weeks, with City rallying back from a one-goal deficit and seeing Pablo Zabaleta sent off to seal a deserved point.

"We showed great team spirit to get something out of that game," said the Republic of Ireland international.

"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."

Man City are currently fifth in the Premier League table, and have a game in hand, but Given stresses that the team has much to improve before they bask in the glory of their success.

"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."