Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany has given Burnley credit for getting "what they fought for" in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Turf Moor.
The visitors took the lead on 22 minutes through a long-range Danilo strike but failed to turn their dominance into further goals.
Raheem Sterling spurned a gilt-edged opportunity to double City's lead by failing to hit the target from just six yards out after meeting Kyle Walker's cross at the far post.
The Clarets duly made the Premier League leaders pay for their wasted chances by drawing level through Johann Berg Gudmundsson's half-volley eight minutes from time.
"We never doubted this league was competitive," Kompany told Sky Sports News. "We were warned for this kind of situation. We knew we would have to take our chances.
"We created some chances in an incredible manner but we probably ran out of steam because we kept trying and trying and trying, and in the end, we got punished. But we don't have to feel sad because our performance was good.
"Raheem Sterling has been incredible for us. He's scored more last-minute goals for us than anyone in this league. But today it didn't quite happen. But I give top marks to everyone for the way they handled this game.
"There's one thing you know when you play Burnley, they're well-organised and well-disciplined. I thought we handled every game against Burnley so far well. Today they got what they fought for. They got a goal in the last 10 minutes and never stopped believing. We have to make sure we finish games a little earlier next time."
City return to action next Saturday with a Premier League home game against Leicester City.
