Manchester City's 2-2 draw with West Ham on Sunday can be viewed from two different perspectives, depending on whether you're a glass half-full or half-empty kind of person.
On one hand, Riyad Mahrez wasted a late penalty that would have won City the game and left them needing just a point on the final day to clinch a fourth Premier League title in five seasons. Now, City will have to prepare for a tense must-win final game against Aston Villa.
On the other, City fought back from a two-goal half-time deficit to earn what could prove to be a crucial point. Pep Guardiola's side were poor in the first half, but they didn't let their struggles set the tone for the rest of the afternoon.
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The latter, more optimistic viewpoint leads nicely into the recent discourse surrounding the character of this City side. In fighting back at the London Stadium, the Blues showed - for the umpteenth time this season - that anyone who claims that City lack character, big personalities or leaders simply doesn't know what they're talking about.
One such person is Patrice Evra. Last weekend the former Manchester United defender launched an extraordinary attack on Guardiola and his players in the wake of City's dramatic exit from the Champions League.
"Manchester City need leaders, but Pep Guardiola doesn't want leaders," the Frenchman said while appearing on Amazon Prime Sport. "He doesn't want personality. He's the leader. That's why when they're in trouble they don't want to. They don't have anyone on the pitch to help them."
Of course, nobody associated with City has taken Evra seriously - and why would they? Firstly, the idea that a squad comprised of some of the best players in the world, who have won countless trophies, lacks leaders or personality is frankly ludicrous.
Secondly - what insight has Evra ever had into the City dressing room? Absolutely none, that's what.
City's performances over the past couple of weeks, and indeed much of the season, should be enough to show that this isn't really an issue at all, more just another attention-seeking soundbite from a former player desperately trying to extend his time in the spotlight.
Against West Ham City showed immense character in fighting back from two goals down, especially as the Hammers doubled their advantage just before half-time. City were shaky in defence and uninspiring in attack, but they composed themselves during the interval and reemerged for the second half with unwavering belief that they could still win.
They did well to quell an intimidating home crowd coring early in the second half, and showed resilience in continuing to probe a defiant West Ham defence. Most teams would have shut up shop and settled for a point after drawing level, but City showed great personality in going for the kill.
Mahrez should have completed a remarkable comeback from the penalty spot, but it's hard to level too much criticism at someone who shows the courage and leadership to take on such a high-pressure kick. City have only twice in their history fought back from a half-time deficit to win in the Premier League, so to fly in the face of history and come within a penalty of doing so was impressive.
Guardiola hit back at Evra's comments last week, and he was absolutely spot-on. "It's the same character and personality that we lost in Madrid," he remarked sarcastically on City's thumping wins against Newcastle and Wolves.
"You cannot have personality because we conceded two goals in one minute when we have two chances to score? And after the last four games, we score 22 goals, and we have an incredible personality."
After Sunday's game, he was similarly impressed by his players.
"[We are] on the cusp of a fourth title in five years: In the last five years the mentality has always been like that. I rely so much on these players."
Liverpool are often referred to as 'mentality monsters', but when you look past the lazy jibes aimed at City, it's clear that they aren't exactly lacking in that department either.
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