Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini is delighted with their show of spirit for victory over Aston Villa.

City consolidated their top four hopes with an exciting 3-2 win.

Fernandinho struck in the 89th minute as City killed off a Villa comeback at the Etihad Stadium. City were not at their best but looked to have the game sewn up as they went 2-0 ahead with goals from Sergio Aguero - pouncing on a Brad Guzan blunder - and Aleksandar Kolarov.

But FA Cup finalists Villa quickly replied through Tom Cleverley and looked to have claimed a hard-earned point in their relegation fight through Carlos Sanchez five minutes from time.

Pellegrini said: "I don't think it was fortunate.

"We didn't play well and I think Aston Villa played very well, especially in possession of the ball, but they didn't have chances to score, just the two set-pieces (from which) they drew the game.

"So, I don't know why we are fortunate that we scored the third goal from a set-piece in the same way they scored their two goals.

"It is very important to continue with the spirit we had today. It is not easy when you are winning 2-0 and then they draw 2-2 to go again for the match. We did it.

"With this spirit, another game we don't lose."