Phil Foden says Manchester City showed their “courage” in bouncing straight back from the end of their 21-game winning run.
City's 2-0 derby defeat to local rivals Manchester United brought the record-breaking winning streak to an end, as well as their 28-game unbeaten run.
But Pep Guardiola's Premier League leaders responded with a 5-2 win over Southampton on Wednesday, which increased their lead over United to 14 points with nine games left.
Foden said City's players were prepared for their formidable run to come to an end, but showed the mark of champions by reacting the way they did by winning their next game.
“It was always going to come to an end,” said Foden.
“We were on that winning streak, but it was all about bouncing back today and showing the courage to play football.
“This is the Premier League, it’s one of the hardest leagues in the world and no matter who the opponent is they make it difficult for you every game.
“You have to stick together and dig deep and in the end in the final third we showed the quality and scored a lot of goals.
“We're so close at the moment, we just need to keep taking it game by game and keep putting points on the table.
“It's a very tough schedule, with a lot of games coming fast, so the full squad has to be ready to play, so we're going to be ready, for sure.”
City's title charge has seen goals come from many different players, with 15 different goalscorers in the league, of which Ilkay Gundogan, with 12, is top of the list.
“You’ve probably seen this year it’s always a different scorer,” said Foden. “So it’s good to be part of a great team and hopefully we can keep winning.
“We’re not about individual players, we’re all about the team and everyone chips in with goals and assists.”
Foden produced two assists himself in City's win over Saints and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet.
He was also denied a clear penalty in the first-half when he was brought down by Saints keeper Alex McCarthy, despite the decision being reviewed by VAR and upheld.
“There were a lot of decisions to make for the referees and a lot of close chances, but in those games you just have to stick together and dig deep,” said Foden.
“In the end we showed our quality in the final third and scored a lot of goals.”
Praising Riyad Mahrez, who scored twice and set up another goal, Foden said: “We know the quality that Riyad has, he's a massive player for us and very important at the moment.”
