Pep Guardiola said his Manchester City side "forgot to attack" after taking a 2-0 lead just before the hour-mark against Sunderland on Sunday.
City successfully saw out the victory to move up to third following goals from Sergio Aguero and Leroy Sane either side of half-time.
However, Guardiola appeared to be frustrated at the full-time whistle and singled out man-of-the-match David Silva and goalkeeper Willy Caballero for some post-match instructions.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Guardiola said his side "misunderstood" the situation having gone two-goals clear after 59 minutes.
"We misunderstood the last 35 minutes at 2-0 when we were in control. We forgot to attack and it can be so dangerous if they score a goal," Guardiola said.
"You have to do that in the last 10 to 15 minutes, to rest with the ball - but we did it for longer.
"But the performance was so good and it's not easy playing every few days. Of course it's a good victory for us and we will keep going.
"We did it perfectly at Bournemouth in the last 10 or 15 minutes, but not 35. It's okay because the next time it's not going to happen.
"I saw many good things, a big congratulations on the performance and of course the three points."
Aguero poked home from close range in the 42nd minute to hand City a valuable half-time lead.
The Argentine has risen to the occasion since Gabriel Jesus suffered an injury, having initially lost his place in the starting line-up to City's new arrival.
Guardiola spoke of his delight with Aguero's performance at the Stadium of Light, and said he has always had an open and honest relationship with the City striker.
"I was very pleased with the performance of Sergio. I know when a huge player doesn't play it's always a debate, it's always 'why and why and why' but we have an exceptional relationship," Guardiola added.
"We were honest from the beginning and I said to him when Gabriel came, that Jesus was in a good moment and I gave him continuity, but of course, in the future, they will both be fit.
"Sergio's goals are so important for us. He scored another one today and he helps us a lot in our build-up. Again it was brilliant, really brilliant."
Manchester City host Stoke on Wednesday night looking to make it five victories in a row in the Premier League, live on Sky Sports 1.