Andy Hinchcliffe says Manchester City showed their Premier League winning quality against Everton after they secured three points on Saturday evening.
Phil Foden capitalised on Michael Keane's error to slot past England teammate Jordan Pickford as the Toffees' misery continued despite a valiant performance.
Rodri was given a reprieve late on when he looked to have controlled the ball with his arm in the penalty area, though the action went unpunished, much to the anger of Frank Lampard.
But Hinchcliffe, who was on commentary for the clash at Goodison Park, praised the Blues for illustrating their title-winning experience by grinding out the victory and making their sustained pressure count.
"It’s what it’s all about, it’s not about performances, we know how good City are, they don’t need to prove anything," he said of City's win.
"After losing the way they did [against Tottenham] would’ve hurt them. Everton stifled them but they found a way through, it was a mistake but they capitalised on a mistake.
"At the end of the season, we’re not going to look back on this game and go ‘a handball' - City won it, that’s all that matters.
"They put the pressure back on Liverpool, they weren’t at their best, Everton put in a solid showing but all that matters to [Pep] Guardiola, City players and City fans is that they won the game."
Jurgen Klopp's side now sit six points behind with a game in hand.
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