Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart was happy to admit Monday night’s tight 1-0 Barclays Premier League win at Wigan “wasn’t pretty” as they went three points clear at the summit.
Edin Dzeko’s first-half header was enough to see City overcome their rock-bottom hosts and end an 11-match goal drought for the Bosnian, who took his tally for the season to 14.
City made hard work of it after that, though, with Dzeko costing Sergio Aguero a clear chance to double the lead after half-time.
“We needed that win and the big man needed a goal and he got a great goal in the first half and the lads did great,” Hart - who made a match-winning save in the second half, told Sky Sports 1.
“It wasn’t pretty, and it wasn’t a pretty pitch out there. Fair play to Wigan, I think they are in a false position in the league at the moment for me so it’s a great result for us.
“We’ve not been great on the road recently so we’re really happy.”
Goalscorer Dzeko said: “I could have scored one or two more goals in the end, but I’m happy with the three points because it was a tough game and Wigan played very well.
“I’m happy to score and help my team win. In football sometimes you score and sometimes not, but I’m happy today.”