No one at Arden Street is particularly happy with the win over Essendon according to Todd Goldstein.

North had restricted the Bombers to their lowest halftime score in more than a hundred years on Saturday, only to let them back in the contest in the second half.

Fighting off an impressive surge, the Roos managed to hang on to win by just 14 points.

While still undefeated, Goldstein says North has been fortunate so far this season.

"I think very easily we could be 4-4 or even worse," Goldstein said on Channel 7's Game Day.

"It's nice winning games, it's nice having a lot more wins than losses.

"But we know we're not playing our best footy. We know we have a lot of improvement to do."

Despite being on top of the ladder, the all-Australian ruckman believes his side won't win the flag unless some big improvements are made.

"If we play like we did on the weekend, we're not going to win a premiership."

Goldstein said although North pocketed the four points, the locker rooms felt strange after the win.

"It was a bizarre feeling after the game. I don't think I've seen too many sides that have lost then get a standing ovation," he said.

North takes on Carlton on Saturday night and has a chance to record it's best start 9-0.