MARESCA DEFENDS DONNARUMMA, GUEHI AFTER MAN CITY DEFEAT

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has defended Gianluigi Donnarumma and Marc Guehi following mistakes in the club’s 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa.

Nicolas Jackson capitalised on errors from the goalkeeper and defender on Saturday, ending City’s run of seven consecutive Premier League wins.

Despite the defeat, City remain top of the table on goal difference, level on points with defending champions Arsenal.

Speaking on Tuesday ahead of Wednesday’s League Cup fourth-round clash with Brighton, Maresca said Donnarumma had performed well overall and that mistakes were inevitable during a demanding season.

He pointed to the number of matches and minutes players were handling, saying occasional errors were part of football.

Maresca also expressed his confidence in Guehi, praising the England defender’s leadership and response to setbacks. He said both players acknowledged their mistakes.

The City boss confirmed that Donnarumma was among five players given three days off after the Villa match to recover their energy.

Erling Haaland, Ruben Dias, Elliot Anderson and Josko Gvardiol were also granted the break as City prepared to host Brighton at the Etihad.