Fernandinho insists Manchester City have shown they have got a “hot heart” and the spirit of champions.
City midfielder Fernandinho claims they proved against Everton they are ready to fight for the title after refusing to give up.
Pep Guardiola’s men went behind and down to ten men but Fernandinho says there is a special spirit in the dressing room which will bring success this season.
Fernandinho said: “That's one of the reasons we are here, to show the fans because they deserve it – even if they have quality players and a good manager, the main thing is to have a hot heart.
“That comes first and everything else comes after. If you can do that for the whole season you have the chance to get good results.
“It is just one thing, but it is valuable. It is only the second game but we are trying to be stronger, and to fight all together – players, staff and fans.
“We went to the dressing room 1-0 down at half time and the only answer we could give to the fans was to fight for the result and try to score.
“That's the spirit we need to have until the end of the season. It wasn't an angry dressing room, it was about trying to fix things that were wrong, and keeping going. That's the spirit.
“We showed our quality again by creating so many chances – even in the second half with ten men.
“It was a special night for the fans and the people of Manchester. We needed to show them something special on the pitch.
“It was the right spirit to show to everyone in the stand and if we play like this in every game we stand a chance of the title.”
Fernandinho insisted Kyle Walker’s sending off was harsh as referee Robert Madley showed a “soft” red card after producing two yellows in the space of three minutes.
He added: “It's tough to say something about a referee's decision, you have to be careful.
“But we are in the Premier League and it is so demanding and when you have some players who dive and they are a little bit soft, it is a little bit weird.
“But if the referee takes this decision you have to keep going and look for the next game.”