Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has insisted that his side deserved their 2-1 victory over Sunderland on the opening day of the Premier League season.

The hosts dominated possession from start to finish at the Etihad Stadium, but struggled to create clear chances and ultimately relied on a penalty and a late own goal to get them off to a winning start.

Guardiola acknowledged that things would be "difficult" in the opening games of his reign, but believes that his side, which today included debutants John Stones and Nolito, will continue to improve over the coming weeks.

"We definitely deserved the victory. The first games are always difficult. We spoke during this week about what we had to do like a team and we did it. Sometimes, you are little lucky," he told BT Sport.

"We should have been a bit more aggressive but these kind of things have to happen to know how to get better in the next game. John Stones, Nolito, they were all amazing. We are a team. We fight like a team and they did it. For the new manager, new players, it's important to believe in what we are doing."

Guardiola notably left Joe Hart out of his starting lineup in favour of Wilfredo Caballero, but the Spaniard expects the England number one to fight to regain his place in the team.

"Of course. They are professionals and are going to fight for their place," he added.

Manchester City have now won their opening Premier League fixture in each of the past six seasons.