Pep Guardiola claimed Manchester City are surprised that they have taken control of the title race.
City fell five points behind leaders Chelsea at the end of October with defeat by Crystal Palace but have won the 10 matches since.
That has prompted a 13-point swing, with the defending champions looking to extend their advantage away at Arsenal on Saturday before Chelsea host Liverpool on Sunday.
'It's an unexpected situation,' Guardiola said. 'Not even a month ago we were four or five points behind Chelsea and Liverpool.