"We certainly didn't deserve to lose and we squandered some good chances," the Fulham boss said after the 2-1 win against City.
"But we kept at our task and in the end got a result. A month ago we lost at home to Birmingham but now we are looking really good.
"I thought Diop had another outstanding game. Although he does not speak much English he is a great leader and a powerful character.
"He has been a key player in the last few games along with Lee Clark who also makes a big difference.
"Even when we were a goal down he was still pushing us forward and was as major reason why we emerged with three points."