Maresca's big test is to address mounting Man City issues

What the report says

Enzo Maresca’s early momentum as Manchester City manager has slowed after the club suffered successive Premier League defeats, including a 1-0 loss at home to Brighton. The BBC Sport Football report says City had begun the season strongly under Maresca, but the result at the Etihad came after a defeat at Aston Villa and extended a difficult spell in top-flight matches.

According to the article, Maresca said City felt they had done enough to get more from the game and defended the team’s effort, but acknowledged the need to move on quickly. The report highlights several concerns for the manager, including defensive mistakes, a reshaped midfield and a lack of sharpness in attack. City have conceded 10 league goals in nine matches and have kept only one clean sheet in their last eight games in all competitions.

The piece also notes that City’s summer rebuild in midfield has yet to settle, with Maresca still searching for the best balance among new signings and established players. In attack, City created chances against Brighton but failed to score despite 21 shots, ending a run in which they had found the net in 23 straight league games. The result keeps City near the top of the table, but the pressure is increasing ahead of their Champions League match at RB Leipzig.