In Manchester City's history there have not been too many moments when a 3-1 defeat of Arsenal could be described as below-par but on this season's standards, Sunday's win was scrappy and inaccurate at times.
When you are clear at the top of the league at the start of November and have scored 52 goals in all competitions, the barrier is raised high.
Positives
After the midweek exertions against Napoli in the Champions League, to be able to keep the ball for long periods from an Arsenal side that made 10 changes from their own midweek match spoke volumes for Pep Guardiola's team.