And the World Cup bound Dutch ace is desperate for a repeat performance on Wednesday against Spurs.
DeJong admitted that there had been too much negativity surrounding City in the run up to the clash with Villa with Roberto Mancini’s side never out of the headlines for one thing or another.
It would have been easy for people to believe that there are big rifts in the camp and DeJong is now hoping that the thrilling 3-1 win against one of the big rivals for the fourth places slot will stop some of the stirring.
“The only place to do your talking is one the pitch and no one who saw the game could ever accuse us of lack of spirit,” he asserted.
“We showed really good character out there on the pitch especially after we went a goal behind. We created a lot of chances and were well organised at the back in the second half.
“We started brightly in the game at the weekend and it was a shock that Villa scored first but we dug deep, regrouped ourselves and once we got in front we felt strong and confident that we would get the three points that we needed.
The answer to mischief making is always best delivered on the pitch
...Nigel de Jong
“Everyone seems to have something to say about the manager and about City we have had to put up with that all season but it makes no difference to us; the confidence is still there in the team and the atmosphere is still good.”
De Jong is still looking for his first City goal and a couple of lacklustre efforts from the edge of the box on Saturday seldom looked like breaking a drought that stretches back 51 league and cup outings.
He admits to mislaying his shooting boots and to getting a ribbing about his efforts from his teammates but reckons he could have the last laugh he pots one in the next two games.
“They were pretty awful efforts, I have to say,” laughed deJong.
“The thing is that in training I don’t have a problem. Anyway it is not my job to be at the top of the goal charts though this week would a good time to get off the mark!”
