The concerning Man City trend that is becoming a problem for Enzo Maresca

Manchester Evening News writer Jack Flintham argues that Manchester City under manager Enzo Maresca have developed a concerning habit of conceding early goals. City have conceded three goals in the opening 15 minutes across their Premier League matches this season, including an 11th-minute opener by Brighton's Yasin Ayari. The writer notes that this tendency has contributed directly to City leaving empty-handed in consecutive league outings.

The trend also surfaced earlier in the season when Arsenal struck within the opening minute of the Community Shield defeat. Flintham highlights previous early goals allowed against Aston Villa and Sunderland as ongoing evidence of carelessness, arguing that Maresca's side must tighten up early in games if they hope to compete for major trophies.