After a run of seven straight league wins it proved a frustrating afternoon as City’s Villa Park hoodoo struck again.
A Nicolas Jackson brace – which was sandwiched by Erling Haaland’s brilliant header – was enough to hand Unai Emery’s side a fourth straight league home win over the Blues.
It was tough on City who largely dominated affairs after Jackson’s sixth minute opener.
For his part, the City boss said there were lessons to digest for his players – not least the manner of the winning goal.
“You can always do something better,” Maresca reflected in his post-match press conference.
“For me when you plan a game, especially against this team, you are going to concede some transitions because they play for that, they wait for that.
“If before the game you say to me you are going to concede one transition in 45 minutes are you happy? I would say I would be happy.
“In the second half we concede one and they score. They were clinical in that moment.
“We are going to try learn from that and try to move on.”
Play the video to watch Maresca’s press conference in full...
