Gabriel Jesus says he was "sad" to miss chances against Middlesbrough despite eventually rescuing a point for Manchester City at the Riverside.
The Brazilian made his first start for 10 weeks after recovering from a broken metatarsal and was on hand to boost City's top-four prospects when he rose to head home a Sergio Aguero cross in the 84th minute to ensure his side earned a 2-2 draw.
City now have three consecutive home games as they chase a Champions League spot and, while Jesus admitted he is not quite back up to full match sharpness after spending so long on the sidelines, he was happy his side managed to salvage a point against Boro.
"After being out for three months, I am tired. In my case I am still not 100 per cent fit, so I missed so many chances and I am sad for that," the 20-year-old told City's official website.
"I am learning that every game in the Premier League is really difficult and we know how difficult it is going to be until the end of the season.
"We controlled the game and missed so many chances, but at least we got a point and that is what matters."
City are expected to discover this week whether Aguero will face a spell on the sidelines after he limped out of the game in the final minute with an apparent groin problem, but early indications from Pep Guardiola were that the striker's injury is not a serious one.