City’s 5-3 win over Sunderland means the Blues go into the three-week international break with a 100% Premier League record and a three-point lead at the top of the table.
Maresca predicted his players would face their toughest test of the campaign against the Black Cats – and he was proved correct.
“To be honest, I prefer to win 1-0 than 5-3 but I expected a very difficult game,” said the boss.
“I know how good they are. Off the ball, they are very aggressive, on the ball they have different weapons. For example, Brobbey.
“It was very difficult, but we found a way to win the game. The good thing also is that these seven official games have all been different. We experience different things.
“The last one with 10 players, today it was a complicated one. We have a chance to learn from the game.”
Asked whether he felt his team were ever in control against Sunderland, Maresca said: “I’m always concerned, always trying to see what we can do better. Two of the goals we conceded were too easy. The second goal came from a quick free-kick by Xhaka, the third goal from another free-kick.
“Too easy. We conceded chances but we scored five and could have scored two or three more too.
“For sure we can control better and keep the ball. There are games where you want to control the game and keep the ball, but the other team will do their best to make it difficult.
“I watched Sunderland v Arsenal, and it was another crazy game. They didn’t want to allow you to control the game. There are things we did good and could do better.”
Asked which of his players had impressed him, he said: “Jérémy was very good, making the pass for Josko and Nico. Iliman was good. Antoine was good. Overall, the performance was good.
“Today they need to deal with different kinds of things, second balls, duels, these kinds of things.”
Make a Night of It!
Hospitality for all four of our home Champions League games are now on sale.
City will face PSG, AEK Athens, Napoli and Sporting CP at the Etihad in the League Phase of the 2026/27 competition.
We take on the current holders on Wednesday 14 October, the Greek Super League champions on Tuesday 20 October, Kevin De Bruyne’s Serie A side on Tuesday 24 November and Matheus Nunes’s former club on Wednesday 27 January – all kick-off times are 20:00 (UK).
And you can be here to see this quality quartet of European matches with a range of packages available.
Prices start from £95 while we also have 20% off City Hall and Crossbar when two or more UCL League Phase games are purchased – the offer will automatically be added in your basket when you add two more fixtures.
Make your matchday unforgettable by booking one of our incredible hospitality experiences.
