Maresca warns City must tighten up despite seven-win perfect start after 5-3 Sunderland thriller

Manchester City moved three points clear at the top of the Premier League on Saturday with a 5-3 win over Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium, but manager Enzo Maresca was quick to temper the mood, warning that defensive sloppiness cannot continue if City are to challenge for honours this season.

Antoine Semenyo scored twice, with Enzo Fernandez, Rayan Cherki and Erling Haaland also on target as City made it seven successive victories to open the campaign. Yet Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey helped himself to a hat-trick, and Maresca was candid about the areas that need improvement heading into the three-week international break.

“To be honest, I prefer to win 1-0 than 5-3, but I expected a very difficult game,” Maresca said. “I knew how good they are — off the ball very aggressive and on the ball they have different weapons, set-pieces and Brobbey.”

The City boss acknowledged that two of the three goals conceded were avoidable. “The second came from a quick Granit Xhaka free-kick and that cannot happen. The third goal comes from another free-kick — too easy in that way.”

Despite the defensive concerns, Maresca drew encouragement from the variety of challenges his squad has navigated across their seven-game unbeaten run. “These seven official games we played are all different — we experienced different things. The last one with 10 men, today was a complicated one, the Bournemouth one we were losing 1-0 — so also a chance to learn from the game.”

City were never behind against Sunderland but rarely looked entirely comfortable, and Maresca conceded his side created enough chances to have won by an even wider margin. The result nonetheless leaves them in a commanding position at the Premier League summit before the international break.