Pep Guardiola claimed Manchester City are still coming to terms with injuries and a hectic schedule after they were held 1-1 at West Ham.
Phil Foden came off the bench to secure a point after West Ham had taken a first-half lead through a spectacular bicycle kick from Michail Antonio.
City, transformed by the introductions of Foden and fit-again Kevin De Bruyne, dominated the second half but were unable to add to their solitary goal.
Foden hauled the visitors level when he turned and poked home a low cross from Joao Cancelo.
Nevertheless eight points from West Ham’s tough opening run of six games is more than satisfactory for manager David Moyes.
“It was strange, I actually think we can play much better but I’m really pleased with a point,” said Moyes.
“We did some good things, more in the first half, the second half was very difficult. But it was brilliant character from the players again.
“It was different to Tottenham last week because they had to try and hang on and keep something, and they did.
“We’re improving as a team, our football is getting better and I’m really pleased with the way things are going.”