Manchester City midfielder has reiterated his belief that the Citizens can handle the pressure in defending their Premier League crown. 

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Having failed to do it two seasons ago, when they could not catch neighbours United, Manuel Pellegrini’s champions are facing a similar test of character this time with Chelsea leading the way.

A 2-2 draw with lowly Burnley on Sunday, having been two goals up, saw City fail to cut the advantage to one point instead of three and sparked concerns about their challenge. 

But Nasri recalls how they overtook Liverpool in the run-in last season and is is confident of City's ability to chase down rivals Chelsea. 

“At this club we’ve been through all the different situations," he said.

“We know how to deal with the pressure. We know that we are good at being second and chasing someone, we’ve done it before.

“We all know what happened two seasons ago and it’s an example for us. We know what we need to do, what not to do as well. We learn from our mistakes.

“I don’t know how many points we were behind United at this stage, but we finished 11 behind them. I know this will not happen.

“All we want is to win the league again – and we’ll do everything possible to do it again.

“Everyone is stronger. We get older, we get more mature and stronger mentally.”

 

Nasri also dismissed the result against the Clarets – which denied them a club record 10th successive victory – as a blip.

“We were aware of the result of Chelsea and it was a great chance for us to be just one point behind. And we were winning 2-0 at home  against a team who are playing for survival,” he added.

“There is no lesson to learn for Manchester City against Burnley at home. We just have to be clinical.”

City hope to have Vincent Kompany and Yaya Toure back from injury in time to face Sunderland on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho appears likely to escape Football Association sanctions for claiming Chelsea are the victims of a clear campaign after referee Anthony Taylor booked Cesc Fabregas for diving against Southampton.