Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany has thrown down the gauntlet to the rest of the Premier League following their 3-0 win at West Bromwich Albion by claiming that his team "have something to prove".
Yaya Toure gave Manuel Pellegrini's side an early lead when his low strike was flicked on by David Silva and deflected into the net by Craig Dawson.
The Ivory Coast midfielder then added a second goal with a powerful strike into the top corner and Kompany headed home his side's third after the break to wrap up the points.
Kompany told BBC Sport: "We have something to prove. Last season was below what we're used to doing. It was a good way to start the first game.
"It gives us extra motivation. We came out knowing we had a point to prove. If you'd seen the faces in training last week, I knew the team was going to be ready for this game.
"Every club needs stability. [Pellegrini's new contract] gives us stability and the right kind of environment to work in towards the end of the season."
Man City's first home game of the season sees current champions Chelsea visit the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Giuseppe Labellarte
