Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has defended Marc Guéhi after the defender's mistake contributed to Saturday's 2–1 Premier League defeat at Aston Villa.
Nicolas Jackson scored twice for Unai Emery's side, ending City's perfect league start under Maresca despite Erling Haaland's ninth Premier League goal of the season.
Maresca explains Guéhi substitution
Guéhi's poor touch allowed John McGinn to set up Jackson's sixth-minute opener.
The England defender was then booked before being replaced by Rico Lewis at half-time.
However, Maresca insisted the substitution was a tactical decision influenced by Guéhi's workload and yellow card.
"I'm not worried about Marc at all," the City manager said.
Maresca explained that Guéhi had played extensively for club and country, while keeping a booked defender on the pitch carried risks given City's aggressive approach.
City punished despite creating chances
Haaland headed City level early in the second half, but Jackson restored Villa's lead on the hour when his shot slipped under Gianluigi Donnarumma.
City registered 15 attempts compared with Villa's eight, although the hosts scored with both shots on target.
"I think we deserved more from the game, for the amount of chances that we created and for the chances that we conceded," Maresca explained.
The defeat was City's fourth consecutive league loss at Villa Park.
Key Points
- Maresca remains confident in Guéhi despite his mistake.
- Guéhi's booking influenced his half-time substitution.
- Jackson's double ended City's perfect league start.
- Haaland scored his ninth Premier League goal of the season.
What's Next?
Manchester City face Brighton in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, 28 October, before another meeting with the Seagulls in the Premier League.
Maresca will look for an immediate response while addressing City's defensive mistakes.
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