In some ways this was a downgrade on many of Manchester City's recent performances. They conceded a goal, for one thing.
Yet there they are at the top of the Premier League table, with daylight - albeit a glimmer - between them and the chasing pack for the first time this season.
The debate around City has changed quickly over the first 11 games of their title defence. After the first few, plenty of City fans were concerned that their team was not quite at the same level of last season (this was despite winning every game bar an unfortunate draw at Wolves).