Maresca happy with win - but would prefer a clean sheet as well! | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca says he would prefer to win and keep a clean sheet over seeing his side ship three goals in an end-to-end thriller.

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.”

Come and see City in October!

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We take on the Champions League holders in Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday 14 October and the Greek Super League champions AEK Athens on Tuesday 20 October with both kick-off times are 20:00 (UK).

Ipswich and Brighton visit in the Premier League, with the Seagulls also in town in the fourth round of the League Cup.

And you can be here to see these matches with stadium seating or a range of hospitality packages available.

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