Maresca demands more from Man City defence after Sunderland thriller

Enzo Maresca was pleased to see Manchester City maintain their perfect Premier League start against Sunderland, but the manager admitted he would have preferred a more controlled performance at the Etihad.

City extended their 100% league record with a 5-3 victory over Sunderland, but Maresca was less than impressed by the manner in which his side conceded three goals in an entertaining encounter.

Maresca demands more from Man City defence after Sunderland thriller

“To be honest, I prefer to win 1-0 than 5-3,” Maresca said after the game.

The City boss had expected Sunderland to provide their toughest test of the campaign and felt the visitors’ aggressive approach made it difficult for his side to dictate the game.

“Off the ball, they are very aggressive, on the ball they have different weapons,” Maresca said. “It was very difficult, but we found a way to win the game.”

City’s attacking output ultimately proved decisive, with Maresca pointing out that they could have scored even more than the five they managed.

However, he was particularly unhappy with two of Sunderland’s goals, which both came from set-piece situations.

“Two of the goals we conceded were too easy,” he said. “The second goal came from a quick free-kick by Xhaka, the third goal from another free-kick. Too easy.”

Maresca wants City to improve control

The result means City head into the three-week international break three points clear at the top of the Premier League, but Maresca believes the performance provided another opportunity for his players to learn.

The Italian pointed to the variety of challenges City have faced during their seven competitive matches this season, with each game requiring a different response.

“We have a chance to learn from the game,” he said.

Maresca also acknowledged that City could have done more to retain possession and impose themselves on the contest, while recognising Sunderland’s role in making that difficult.

“There are things we did good and could do better,” he added.

Among the individual performers to catch his eye were Jérémy Doku, Iliman Ndiaye and Antoine Semenyo. Maresca also highlighted Doku’s contribution to goals involving Josko Gvardiol and Nico O’Reilly.

For City, the immediate priority now is to use the international break to address the defensive issues exposed by Sunderland while preserving the attacking momentum that has carried them to the top of the table.

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