'I prefer' - Maresca verdict as Man City lessons continue despite win

Enzo Maresca admits he prefers to win games 1-0 than 5-3 after his Manchester City side extended their perfect start to the season in thrilling fashion against Sunderland.

The Blues moved three points clear at the top of the Premier League after edging a chaotic contest at the Etihad in which they were never behind but never quite looked comfortable. Antoine Semenyo scored twice for City while Enzo Fernandez, Rayan Cherki and Erling Haaland were also on target as City made it seven successive victories heading into the three week international break.

But Maresca knows his side will need to improve if they are to challenge for honours this season, particularly defensively after Brian Brobbey helped himself to a hat-trick. "To be honest, I prefer to win 1-0 than 5-3 but I expected a very difficult game," said the Blues boss. "I knew how they good are, off the ball very aggressive and on the ball they have different weapons, set-pieces and [Brian] Brobbey.

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To get it, it's a simple one-two punch.

"I know it was a difficult game but happy because we found a way to win the game and the good thing also is that these seven official games we played they 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.

"I am always concerned, always trying to see what we can do better. For sure, two of the three goals we conceded were too easy. The second coming from a quick [Granit] Xhaka free-kick and that cannot happen. The third goal comes from another free-kick, too easy in that way and we concede more chances but we scored five, created [more] and could score two or three more."