Manchester City‘s flawless opening streak was snapped by Aston Villa – Enzo Maresca now faces a defensive crisis.
Nicolas Jackson netted a brace in Villa’s 2-1 win, leaving City with just one clean sheet in six matches and raising doubts over Donnarumma and Guehi.
Since last season began, only eight players have recorded more Premier League goal‑linked errors than Donnarumma and Guehi, each with three.
City’s last shutout arrived in a dominant victory over Liverpool two weeks ago, yet they’ve since leaked goals to sides from PSG to struggling Sunderland.
Maresca shuffled his backline against Villa, recalling Sir Alex Ferguson’s mantra: “Attack wins games, defence wins titles.”
Early in the campaign and already assured of a top‑two finish, City must reinforce their defence to stay there.
Meanwhile, Arsenal matched City on points after a comfortable 2-0 home win over Everton.
The Gunners have conceded only five goals in eight games, with Saturday’s strikes coming from centre‑backs Ezri Konsa and Gabriel.
That marks back‑to‑back clean sheets for Arteta’s side, even as William Saliba remains unavailable.
Only Manchester United – 1.16 GA in 1996‑97 and 1.18 in 1999‑00 – have clinched the title with a worse defensive record than City’s current 1.13 per game; Arsenal sit at 0.625.
When asked if both goals were avoidable, Maresca told TNT Sports: “Absolutely, both.
“Sometimes luck isn’t on your side; we only allowed those two chances, yet we created many,” he added.
“We dominated their box, but we must be clinical and cut out mistakes like the two goals we conceded.”
Jackson stars with two goals – player ratings for Aston Villa v Man City
Jackson’s brilliance produced a goal in each half at a roaring Villa Park, halting City’s seven‑match winning run.
Maresca’s squad opened the season by leaking eight goals in nine games, but the tally has surged to nine in the last four matches.
Signing Donnarumma last summer was billed as securing one of the world’s elite keepers to replace Ederson.
The Italian reshaped English football with his distribution, delivering short and long passes that few rivals can emulate.
Yet Donnarumma often mishandles his touch, handing teammates difficult balls and creating danger.
On Saturday, captain Ruben Dias gestured for a teammate to launch the ball forward after the Portuguese struggled with a tight pass.
Maresca sold James Trafford to Leeds for £45 m in the summer; the England youth has thrived at Elland Road.
Trafford has attempted more passes than Donnarumma this season, boasts a slightly higher save rate, and has swept the ball 11 times versus Donnarumma’s single effort.
While Donnarumma couldn’t stop Jackson’s thunderous opener, he should have handled the low second shot better.
Former City defender Steph Houghton told BBC Radio 5 Live: “Villa kept the ball well and threatened City. Donnarumma, especially on the second goal, could have done a bit better.
“I’m not taking anything away from Villa; they executed their plan perfectly to neutralise City.”
Guehi’s £20 m move from Crystal Palace in January was hailed as a bargain.
His errant pass at Everton late last season cost City a draw and momentum, aiding Arsenal’s eventual title charge.
This campaign, the England defender has been shaky, involved in Ipswich’s two goals and intercepted by John McGinn for Villa’s opener.
Later, he hauled down Jackson at the box edge, earned a yellow, and was substituted at halftime.
City insiders revealed a summer target for a right‑back before shifting focus, noting Abdukodir Khusanov could cover if Matheus Nunes is unavailable.
Khusanov began wide, struggled, then moved inside for Guehi, while Rico Lewis filled the gap; Maresca admitted he must “find that balance” in defence.
Villa fans repeatedly branded travelling supporters “cheats”, and the backlash from recent financial penalties may be weighing on players.
“He’s played every minute since the season began for club and country, so the change wasn’t easy, but the yellow card forced it,” a player said.
“Being aggressive can risk a booking, yet I’m not worried at all.”
Maresca should worry about facing Brighton’s prolific Fabian Hurzeler twice next week – in the Carabao Cup and the league.
The Italian must fix the defensive leaks now, or City risk a season‑long nightmare.