Goalkeeper Joe Hart insists Manchester City have much more than rivals Manchester United on their minds.

United temporarily drew level on points with City last week when they capitalised on the league leaders losing at Everton.

However, victory for City over Fulham on Saturday, and United only gaining a point in the six-goal thriller at Chelsea the following day, means the Blues have edged their way in front once again.

Despite the race for the Premier League crown entering the most crucial period, Hart believes that his side must focus on their own game rather than their fellow title contenders.

"God knows, we can only concentrate on ourselves," said the 24-year-old. "I don't think we know their fixtures, and I'm sure they don't know ours.

"We've got a lot more things on our plate than worrying about Man Utd. We've got a big game against Villa coming up.

"Whoever is in the chasing pack, or involved in the title race, will do what they've got to do.

"I'm pretty sure they don't care what's going on elsewhere."

Although his side remain top of the table with a two-point advantage over United, England international Hart expects his side to continue improving their performances with a particular eye on the defence and keeping clean sheets.

"We should have had about 15 this season, but we have let in some sloppy goals after battering some teams," he added.

"I do count our cleansheets because we pride ourselves on them at the back and it all adds up at the end of the season."