Matchwinner Raheem Sterling hailed Manchester City teammate Sergio Aguero after victory against Arsenal.
Sterling has had to play as a false nine this season with Aguero and Gabriel Jesus missing but the Argentine's first action since injuring his knee in June gave City a better shape and allowed Sterling to play deeper where he filled in for Kevin De Bruyne, who had a muscular problem.
"To have an out-and-out striker to link up with was really good again," said Sterling, who missed England's last group of internationals to rest a hamstring complaint.
"At times in the first half, me and Sergio got in the pockets well. It was an important result for us. We have dropped -points early on and needed a win to kickstart our season."
Sterling managed to break forward to score the only goal after 23 minutes and smiled: "I like to be in the box for the goal."