Manchester City are used to celebrating. This is a club that has won it all over the past few years domestically and abroad.

This season began with a Community Shield success over Manchester United and despite their winter struggles they remain in contention for further honours this term. The Premier League may be beyond them but the Champions League, FA Cup and Club World Cup are all viable targets if City can re-discover a bit of their swagger.

At Leicester City on Sunday there was clear defiance. The performance wasn't swashbuckling or smooth sailing but it was successful, and when you've one once in 13 games that is ultimately what is required.

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The celebrations showed exactly that. When Erling Haaland headed in from close range to seal the points with 16 minutes remaining a huge smile adorned his face. Relief was etched across Kevin De Bruyne's, as it was on Pep Guardiola's. Savinho, the creator of the clincher, turned and energetically pumped the air.

Kyle Walker, just off the bench, sprinted to bear hug Haaland and then gave fellow sub James McAtee a shove of delight for his role in the goal. The City youngster's neat skill on the touchline had fashioned the chance and his name rang out from the away end. He tapped the badge and emotionally screamed in their direction.

The relief was palpable and the message clear: 'We're not giving up.' Guardiola had preached it before the game and at the final whistle the travelling City fans burst into a round of 'We've got Guardiola' to commemorate his 500th game in charge.

The boss was pushed forward by Haaland to accept the plaudits and responded with a wave and a thank you. The supporters are behind this group and this group have given them so much.

Amid speculative and fanciful headlines in recent weeks citing whether Guardiola might call it quits despite only just penning a new contract, the City message has been one of defiance and determination.

The manager is desperate to rebuild and go again, the fans know they have a genius at the helm and the players are keen to repay the faith shown by both. The scenes at Leicester reinforced it.