Manuel Pellegrini has defended Manchester City’s away and defensive records as the 2012 champions’ bid to regain the title gathers pace.

Saturday’s 4-2 defeat of Fulham was City’s third away win from nine games this season, a statistic which contrasts starkly with their 100 per cent home record. Had it not been for losses at Cardiff, Aston Villa, Chelsea and Sunderland, City would be well clear at the top of the Premier League ahead of the summit meeting at home to Liverpool on Boxing Day.

But Pellegrini insisted his side had proved themselves on the road with seven wins, including against European champions Bayern Munich, and went on the offensive to fend off critics after his side conceded five times in two games.

“Maybe you give too much importance to when we don’t win away,” Pellegrini said. “We won away the three games in the Champions League, two games in the League Cup the last three games we won two and drew one.

“Then everybody is talking that we can’t win away and now everybody is talking because Arsenal scored three goals and Fulham scored two more.” Fulham fought back from 2-0 down to level through a fortuitous Vincent Kompany own goal before a late City rally and goals from substitutes Jesus Navas and James Milner earned victory.

Restored England goalkeeper Joe Hart performed well to keep Fulham at bay in the first half and will continue in goal against Liverpool on Boxing Day.

“I was very happy with how Joe was working,” the Chilean added. “Every player has a time when they don’t do so well. He understands perfectly that he works hard to come back and he did well.”