Maresca makes winning start with Man City after dramatic fightback

Maresca insists he can replicate Guardiola’s trophy haul if he is given time to handle the “big changes” at the club.

City’s lacklustre 3-0 defeat against Arsenal in last weekend’s Community Shield raised questions about their ability to keep pace with the Premier League champions this season.

For much of their top-flight opener, City were again short of inspiration in attack and cohesion at the back.

But they found a way to dig out a result that allowed Maresca to breath a sigh of relief.

It is a time of major upheaval at City, with Rodri, Bernardo Silva, John Stones, Nathan Ake and Tijjani Reijnders all leaving and Savinho set to join Tottenham.

England midfielder Elliot Anderson has been Maresca’s only major signing and he was unimpressive before hobbling off in the second half.

City are set to sign teenage Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille in a deal worth £86 million, according to reports on Sunday.

But more new recruits will be needed if City are to close the gap on Arsenal.

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