Manchester City head into the international break buzzing after a flawless 24‑hour spell.
Arsenal were hammered 3‑0 by Brighton on Saturday, and City answered the next day with a 5‑3 thriller over Sunderland at the Etihad.
Enzo Maresca called Sunday’s clash his toughest test yet, yet the victory secures an ideal launch for his tenure, stepping into Pep Guardiola’s shoes.
After a Community Shield drubbing by Arteta’s side in August, Maresca’s men have riposted with seven straight wins across all competitions.
“Honestly, I’d rather win 1‑0 than 5‑3, but I expected a tough match,” Maresca said. “Their off‑ball aggression and set‑piece arsenal, plus Brobbey, are dangerous.”
“It was a hard game, but I’m pleased we found a way through. Those seven official matches have each offered different lessons,” he added.
“Last time we played with ten men and today’s Bournemouth test, where we trailed 1‑0, both taught us valuable lessons,” Maresca noted.
Arsenal’s shocking defeat on the south coast opened the door, and City seized the opportunity.
They now stand alone in England’s top four tiers with a perfect record, three points clear at the Premier League summit.
Maresca joins an elite club as only the sixth Premier League manager to win his first five games, alongside Ancelotti, Shakespeare, Sarri and Solskjaer.
The other name on that list? Pep Guardiola, who achieved the same feat when he took charge in 2016.
On the field, Antoine Semenyo returned to form with two goals and an assist, Rayan Cherki dazzled, and Enzo Fernández netted his inaugural City goal.
Erling Haaland’s late strike added Sunderland to his tally, making him the first to score against all 25 Premier League opponents he’s faced.
City’s surge now puts early pressure on Arsenal, who entered the season as clear favourites to retain the title.
After the three‑week international break, City face a stern test at unbeaten Liverpool on Sunday, 11 October.
Former Reds midfielder Charlie Adam called City’s start “brilliant,” telling BBC Radio 5 Live: “A lot to work on but scoring five at home shows the level we can reach.”
“With Arsenal losing Saturday, City could have entered the break atop the table – and they have now confirmed it,” Adam added.
Do City need more control?
Before the Black Cats clash, City had conceded just two goals in their opening four league games.
On Sunday they allowed three in 90 minutes, a loss of control that will concern Maresca.
Sunderland’s Brobbey tormented captain Ruben Dias all match, netting a Premier League hat‑trick yet ending on the losing side, making Dias only the sixth player to suffer that fate.
Regis le Bris’ side generated a record 4.25 xG, the highest ever for a visiting team at the Etihad in a league game.
Maresca admitted, “I’m always looking for improvements. Two of the three goals we gave up were far too easy.”
“The second came from a quick Granit Xhaka free‑kick, and the third was another set‑piece that shouldn’t have happened,” he said.
“We allowed more chances, yet we scored five, created plenty and could have added two or three more,” Maresca added.
Adam praised Maresca, saying he’ll be delighted with the progress, the new signings and his quick adaptation to Manchester City.
“They can’t coast through a season like this; they must learn to control spaces instead of being dragged man‑on‑man,” he warned.
He concluded that this period will give Maresca a real positive feeling and that City can head into the break with genuine pride.