Sunderland manager Gus Poyet was extremely proud of the way his players went about their business in Sunday's Capital One Cup final.
Liverpool loanee Fabio Borini fired the Black Cats into the lead in the 10th minute before City completed a stunning comeback by scoring two goals in quick succession just ten minutes into the second half before a late third to ensure the victory.
The 55th and 56th minute goals from Yaya Toure and Samir Nasri were of high quality and Poyet felt his side were a little unlucky to lose in the manner they did.
"I am proud of my team," Poyet said.
"For 45 minutes we were more than decent but then Toure scores from 35 yards in the top corner. Maybe if we had two goalkeepers we would have stood a chance."
The Uruguayan added: "It's not nice when you are on the losing side.
"I hate it but someone needs to win. It's a final.
"The difference was two special goals. We didn't take our opportunities and then it was just like 'bang-bang' and it's over.
"We tried our best. Now we just need to try to stay in the Barclays Premier League."
