Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini was relieved to see off Sunderland 3-2 yesterday.

The champions surrendered a 2-0 lead for the second time in a week, after Sunday's draw against Burnley, but this time fought back to beat the Black Cats 3-2 in the Barclays Premier League.

Frank Lampard, whose short-term spell at the club was extended on the eve of the match, came off the bench to head the winner in the 73rd minute.

Pellegrini said: "Once again this team had the personality and the character to go for the third goal.

"It was very similar to what happened against Burnley but I think we didn't have any cost today.

"We went for the third goal and we had three or four more clear chances to score goals. I think in that sense Pantilimon was their best player.

"We are not trying to win to make pressure on Chelsea - we just try to win to continue playing in the way we are doing so far. We have won 29 points from the last 33. It's a very important average of points and we are going to try and continue in the same way we are doing so far.

"At the end of the season we will see which team which has more points."