Roberto Mancini felt Manchester City earned their point as they drew 0-0 at Arsenal on Saturday to edge closer to the Champions League.
With fourth-place rivals Tottenham having lost at Manchester United earlier in the day in the Premier League, the stalemate at the Emirates Stadium was an acceptable result for the City boss.
"We do not play to draw, never, but in the first half Arsenal were better than us and had more possession," Mancini said.
"We defended very well and were better in the second half, so the draw was the fair result.
"We have three more games and they will be crucial games, to decide the season."
Arsenal are now all but secure in third place, having thrown away any hopes of getting back into the title race by relinquishing a 2-0 lead during the final 10 minutes in defeat at Wigan last weekend.
Apart from a couple of half-chances, and a late free-kick from Robin van Persie which flew inches wide, it was a frustrating afternoon for Arsene Wenger's side.
Arsenal are, though, now virtually sure of third place, and with it automatic qualification for the Champions League.
"I am not used to games like this," said the Gunners boss.
"We created very little chances. Man City did not create anything, were highly focused on defending and gave us no space.
"We could not find an opener. It was a locked game of very few chances.
"But we did not throw everything forwards blindly, because we knew we could not afford to lose.
"However, we are nearly there [Champions League]. It is 90% now, but not yet 100."
On the return of Emmanuel Adebayor, Wenger noted: "He made it a bit lively, because our supporters also got lively.
"He was focused and motivated, sharp.
"Even then, though, they did not commit a lot and played on counter-attack."
Wenger was impressed by the performance of veteran Sol Campbell, who produced a consistent display in front of watching England manager Fabio Capello.
"Maybe he will go to South Africa," quipped the Arsenal boss.
"I have to sit down with Sol and see what he wants to do next season.
"Since he has been in the team, he has been outstanding.
"I never expected that from him, and it is credit to him.
"You can compare Sol with any centre-back in the league. He has been very, very good."
