Manchester City’s hero goalkeeper Joe Hart says Premier League top spot is all that counts after his side went ahead of Arsenal on goal difference following the dull 0-0 draw with Manchester United.
Without Sergio Aguero and David Silva, City did not showcase the attacking talent which has made them top scorers in the Premier League so far this season.
Devoid of much forward momentum they relied on Hart, who earned his 100th top flight clean sheet for City, to make a last-gasp save from Chris Smalling as well as exceptional defensive performances from Nicolas Otamendi and captain Vincent Kompany on his return to the starting line-up.
“We don’t want praise, we want points. We are back on top of the league now and we can hopefully kick on,” said England number one Hart, who lauded Otamendi for his defensive display in his first Manchester derby, only the third goalless clash in the Premier League era.
“Nico has come in and adapted very quickly which is something we expected, but respect to him because it’s not an easy league to come into.
“It’s a performance that I’m glad we have in the locker but I’d prefer it if we didn’t have to use it.
Manager Manuel Pellegrini said he felt it was not a bad day for his side and the Chilean was content with a point, City now with a platform to push on having regained top spot.
“It was a very tactical game. I prefer to play in another way but we defended well,” the Chilean said.
“It’s not a bad day. It’s always difficult to play here at United’s stadium, it’s difficult for every team.
“We continue at the top of the table. It is not our normal way to do it but one point here is not bad.”
