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Maresca Stands by Manchester City Defenders After Aston Villa Loss

Posted : 27 October 2026

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has backed goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and defender Marc Guehi despite their costly errors in Saturday’s 2-1 Premier League defeat against Aston Villa. The result ended City’s perfect start to the league season after seven consecutive victories, although they remain level on points with Arsenal at the top of the table, ahead on goal difference.

Nicolas Jackson capitalised on mistakes from both players to score Villa’s goals. Guehi’s loose touch allowed Villa to take an early lead, while Donnarumma failed to keep out Jackson’s second-half effort after Erling Haaland had equalised for City. The defeat exposed defensive weaknesses in a team that had previously enjoyed an impressive run of results.

Speaking ahead of City’s League Cup fourth-round meeting with Brighton, Maresca defended Donnarumma, insisting that mistakes are an unavoidable part of football, particularly during a demanding schedule. He maintained that the Italian goalkeeper had performed well since the start of the season and noted that players must cope with the physical and mental pressures of playing numerous matches.

The City manager also expressed confidence in Guehi, praising the England international’s response to his mistake. Maresca described the defender as a leader and a key figure in the squad, adding that he appreciated the way Guehi acknowledged his error and responded to the setback.

Maresca also revealed that five players had been given three days off to recover following the Villa defeat. Donnarumma, Haaland, captain Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol and Elliot Anderson were among those granted time away from training to recharge before returning to action.

Manchester City will now turn their attention to Brighton in the League Cup as they seek a positive response to their first league defeat of the campaign. Maresca will hope his side can learn from the defensive lapses and maintain their challenge for domestic honours.

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