Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini was not surprised after his side had to work extremely hard to secure all three points away at Crystal Palace.
It was the first defeat of the season for the Eagles who impressed against the Citizens.
But Pellegrini's men had the last laugh as teenager Kelechi Iheanacho scored his first senior goal for the club.
"I said before the game it would be a very tough game," Pellegrini told reporters.
"It was first versus second and playing Palace at Selhurst Park is always very difficult. They are a very good team in a very good moment.
"They started strongly and they were more aggressive than our team. They didn't have many chances to score but it is normal when you come back from the international break that you aren't at your best.
"After half-time, we had more clear chances and finally, we scored the goal at the end which we deserved.
"It is important to have a gap ahead of the other teams - especially the champions - but really, we are just working game by game. We are only five games in and we have to start other competitions now, but it is important to start in the way we have.
"I am very happy with the attitude and the way we are playing. I hope we can continue playing the same way."
