Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew has claimed that Manuel Pellegrini deserves credit for Manchester City's response to last season's disappointment.
City were unable to keep the pressure on Chelsea in the second half of last season as Jose Mourinho's side clinched the title, and reports had suggested that Pellegrini would be sacked in the summer.
However, the club showed their faith in the Chilean by offering him a new deal, and Pardew believes that the move has been rewarded.
"When you are the favourites to win it and the finish wasn't as close as you would have liked, the start was essential for him and he has definitely ticked that box because he has re-motivated the players," the Palace boss told reporters ahead of City's visit to Selhurst Park on Saturday.
"I think they made the right move with his contract. That has sent a statement and the players have followed in line, and that often happens. Certainly Yaya Toure looks back to his best, Vincent Kompany re-energised."
City are on a 10-match winning run in the Premier League either side of the summer break.
