Jamie Redknapp has said that Manchester City showed great resilience to overcome the absences of several key players to defeat Everton on Saturday.
Manuel Pellegrini's side lost Sergio Aguero in the second minute of the game, but recovered to record a 1-0 victory over the Toffees that saw them close the gap on Chelsea at the top of the table to three points.
Redknapp believes that the Citizens showed great character to surmount their adversity, in what he feels could be one of their most vital three points of the season.
"When you put it into context – you lose your star striker after two minutes, you've got no Vincent Kompany, no David Silva – it's a huge result," Redknapp told Sky Sports News.
"That's so important, especially after what happened with Chelsea earlier. Those three points are vital. They weren't at their best, but with those games you just need to win, to get across the line, and that's what Manuel Pellegrini will be so pleased about."
City face Roma in their crunch Champions League matchup on Tuesday.