Maresca backs Sunderland warning after Manchester City survive five-goal thriller

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca said his prediction that Sunderland would provide the team’s toughest test of the season so far had been proved right after a 5-3 victory at the Etihad Stadium.

The result put Manchester City alone at the top of the English Premier League, with victory in the fifth round of matches giving them a perfect record and 15 points.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Maresca said: “I was right when I said before the match that Sunderland would be our toughest test of the season so far.”

Sunderland scored three times, but Manchester City found enough to secure another win and move clear at the summit after Arsenal were beaten by Brighton.

“They are a very good team, strong and dangerous, but once again we managed to find a way to win the match, and that is important at the moment,” said Maresca.

The Manchester City manager admitted his side had made it too easy for Sunderland to score, but said the team’s development was still at an early stage.

“We also conceded some goals more easily than we should have,” he said. “But we only started working together eight weeks ago and we have played completely different matches, so we have learned a lot.”

Maresca said the variety of challenges Manchester City had faced had helped the squad improve, with the Sunderland game providing another opportunity to learn.

“We have played seven official matches and they have all been different, which is good because we learn from every match,” he added.

“It is about learning. You need to learn to become better, and today was no different. We found a way to win the match.”

Despite being pleased with the result, Maresca said he would prefer a far less eventful contest in future.

“There were far too many goals,” he said. “I prefer winning 1-0. That is much better.”

Manchester City’s victory maintained their position at the top of the English Premier League before the international break. Maresca said the team’s ability to claim all three points remained the main positive, while making clear that defensive improvement was required.

“I am happy with today’s performance because we found a way to win,” he said. “But I hope we do not concede three goals next time.”