Head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup felt his team did enough to take three points against Sunderland, but also suggested that a draw seemed like a fair outcome.
City dominated the first half before the Black Cats enjoyed some second-half chances. However, neither team could break the deadlock and it would finish goalless.
I'm pleased with our first half, that was good in many ways," Hoff Thorup said.
"We had dominance in the game, we controlled the game, we had long spells in their half. We tried to open them up, I also think we created enough situations and chances to be in front at half-time. I'm not pleased with the end product.
"The second half is a little bit more open, they have a little bit more of the ball than us and are probably on top in the last 15 minutes of the game where we defend a lot of crosses. It's probably a fair result."
After playing with a back three against West Brom in their previous home fixture, City reverted to the more familiar 4-3-3 against Sunderland.
The Dane was pleased with his side's application but rued missed chances once again.
"After a couple of games where it hasn't been 100 per cent how we want to do it, I think it was important for us to get out there from minute one and show what it is we can do, show that we are a good team on the ball and show that we can also dominate teams from the top of the league," he explained.
"I'm pleased with the attitude and the mentality in the group that we're ready to play that kind of game again.
"It's frustrating when you don't get a win in a game like today. Like I said, we especially did enough in the first half to at least get in front. It's positive that we can show what we can do to teams from the top of the league."