Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini believes his team can go through the remainder of the Premier League season unbeaten if they show the same character they displayed in a 3-2 victory over Aston Villa.
Saturday's thrilling win at Eastlands, settled by Fernandinho's 89th-minute shot, left City firmly on course for a top-four finish and Champions League football next season.
But while unhappy with City's defending against relegation-threatened opponents, Pellegrini said his side had showed the character that would carry them to second place behind champions-elect Chelsea.
"We didn't play well today (Saturday), maybe it was one of our worst games in possession," said Pellegrini, whose side have rarely hit the heights this term that saw them win the Premier League title last season.
"We have so much possession every game, against every team, so it was strange to see how much possession we lost," the Chilean added.
"But it is not easy when you are winning 2-0, and they come back to 2-2, to go on and get the winner but we did it. If we play with this spirit, maybe we don't lose another game.
"We have to play for another 12 points and I think it was important to win these three points and see what happens tomorrow (Sunday) with (Manchester) United and Arsenal. But it will not be decided this weekend.
"With another 12 points to play for it is very important to continue playing with the spirit we had today."
City were gifted an early lead after an error by goalkeeper Brad Guzan which saw Sergio Aguero score his 21st league goal of the campaign and remain on course to finish as the division's leading scorer.
"I think it is important, after the team, to have individual awards for different players," said Pellegrini.
"Also it is important for Kun (Aguero) to score more goals but it is more important to win the game. That's why we're trying to work as a team.
"But he has started scoring again the last three games which is important for him."
Benteke drama
Aleksandar Kolarov extended City's lead before Tom Cleverley and Carlos Sanchez claimed the goals which levelled the game at 2-2 after 85 minutes.
Following the equaliser, Villa striker Christian Benteke was clean through on goal with only Joe Hart to beat but was flagged offside -- incorrectly according to replays.
City's winner followed within seconds and the manner of the disallowed goal frustrated Villa manager Tim Sherwood who, nevertheless, remained optimistic regarding his FA Cup finalists' chances of avoiding relegation, even though the Birmingham club are now just two points above the bottom three.
"It's onside, it's a penalty and a sending-off for Joe Hart," said Sherwood.
"You get some, you don't get others but at this stage of the season it's difficult and I'm saying that with a lump in my throat, to be honest."
Sherwood added: "Not only was the fight and the character there but the ability and performance was there also. If we perform like that in the remaining games, we will be okay."
City emerged from the game with an injury concern over midfielder Yaya Toure, who limped off at half-time with a hamstring problem.
With City captain Vincent Kompany unlikely to play again this season because of a knee injury, Pellegrini will have to wait for the results of tests on Ivory Coast international Toure before discovering whether he has played his final game of the campaign.
"It's difficult to know today what will happen," Pellegrini said. "But he (Toure) was not brought off as a precaution. It was a muscle injury and we will have to see how serious it is."
AFP
Sun Apr 26 2015
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini believes his team can go through the remainder of the EPL unbeaten.
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.