Arsenal goalkeeper Vito Mannone has paid tribute to his side's character to come back from a goal down against Manchester City.

The Gunners became the first team to take points off the Premier League champions at the Etihad Stadium since February 2011, after Laurent Koscielny's strike cancelled out Joleon Lescott's opener to earn a 1-1 draw.

The Italian was partly at fault for the hosts goal but made a number of saves in the second half and is happy with his and the side's performance overall.

"You need to show your character and show that you are ready for the big games," Mannone told the club's official website. "Every team is difficult because there is not such a difference between sides [in the Premier League]. You need to perform well every week and get as many points as you can.

"We did all we could do to put pressure on them. It shows great character to come back, especially against the champions.

"I was not happy with the goal obviously but I came back stronger with some saves. The team performed really well and everyone gave everything to come back and get a point. Every save that can help the team, I am really happy with."

Mannone has played four games in all competitions this season in the absence of the injured Wojciech Szczesny.