Ange Postecoglou also spoke to Sky Sports after the match: "It was an entertaining game, plenty in it. We were lucky to be in it by half-time, City could have blown us away in that period, a bit similar to what happened to us against Villa last week.

"We hung in there, second half were a lot better, a lot more control and a lot more belief in the team. We got our reward for that which is great for the lads."

On his team's character: "It has been there all year, the last few results have hidden that a little but we are at the bare bones a little bit. I have asked players to play in unfamiliar positions but we have still played some decent football. I think the character has been there all year but we certainly needed it today.

"City are an unbelievable team and there are times where you just have to hang on like we did today."

On the side's approach and sticking to it: "We weren't anywhere near the the level of our standards and City will do that to you, they are unbelievable. They put pressure on you and haven't lost too many games here at the Etihad. Second half we had more belief in ourselves and the team we want to be and we clawed our way back into the game."

On half-time team talk: "There would probably only be a few words I can say. Joking aside it was more trying to get the players to believe in themselves rather than anger at them. I'm always mindful that from where I am on the touchline it seems simple, but out there against an unbelievable team it is difficult.

"It was a case of whatever happens I will take responsibility, particularly if it doesn't go well. But just go out there and believe in yourselves.

"How you react to the tough periods factors in how you are measured in the course of the season. We stuck to our guns and our beliefs, we aren't out of the tough period yet, we're going to be thin going into January, but how you react is important for what we are trying to build."

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