"The game against Portsmouth was similar to a lot of games last season," said the Republic of Ireland international.
"If Premiership points had been at stake, we'd have been very frustrated not taking three points. Even losing a friendly was frustrating. We had the chances and they only had one when Pepe made a good save.
"But overall we have to remember these games are all about fitness. It's always nice to win, but the Premier League is what's important.
"The new lads have had no time at all to settle really, but we know they're all really good players. The squad is improving all the time, and it's certainly better now than at any time I've been at the club.
"It's just about working on a few things here and there now before the season starts properly.
"There were a lot games last season when we had all the play, didn't score, and maybe we'd be thinking here we go again.
"A lot of teams are forced to defend against us, and we've got to take that dominance we have in many games, try and nick a goal and keep at them.
"That relieves the pressure on the defence, too. I can remember a lot of games where we've dominated and only given away one or two chances but conceded goals and lost points. You have to get in front when you're on top."