Fulham midfielder Dickson Etuhu said on Tuesday afternoon that Manchester City's first two goals on Saturday had a degree of fortune about them but that all attentions must now turn to this weekend's clash with Stoke at Craven Cottage.
Fulham went down to a contentious Sergio Aguero penalty and a Chris Baird own goal in the first half, before Edin Dzeko made it 3-0 in the second period.
"The first two goals killed us, they were so early on," Etuhu explained. "You could say that we lost 3-0 and that's a heavy defeat but without those two goals, who knows. I thought it was a difficult game anyway because they're a good side; they attack you, they don't hold back.
"For me it was quite difficult obviously being my first game in a while so I felt it in my legs a little but it's nice to be back involved. Our fans were great as always last weekend. We like when they come and support us away from home and we really appreciate it."
Etuhu is now looking to establish himself as part of a Fulham side which is approaching a pivotal point in the season, with QPR and Wolves up next following the visit of Tony Pulis' side at the weekend.
"I can build from that [game against City]," Dickson said. "Obviously in this week's training I've got to try and push on and get my fitness up but I'm looking forward to the game at home against Stoke. That's probably the more important one for us and hopefully we can get the three points.
"It's always tough when you play Stoke but we believe we can win at home. We're looking to obviously go and win our home games and I'm sure that if we play the way we can we'll do that."