Enzo Maresca insisted that Manchester City’s opening difficulties at Selhurst Park made the 4-1 win all the more satisfying, with City manager Brian Cherki paying tribute.
Two goals from Sharqi and a double from Erling Haaland secured a comfortable win on a night that started awkwardly before City found their rhythm.
“Maybe in the first five or 10 minutes we saw how difficult it was,” he said. “It is a difficult stadium and there are strong opponents. After 10 minutes, we controlled the game, whether with or without the ball, and deserved to win.
“The intensity in the team was good. We scored four goals, probably could have scored more, and only conceded one goal. We were very good off the ball, and we struggled in the first 10 minutes. On the ball, we tried to put the players in an attacking position.”
Cherki was selected for defensive play
While the Frenchman’s two goals and two assists attracted headlines, Maresca was particularly vocal about the work Chergui provided when City did not have the ball, specifically his role in nullifying Adam Wharton’s impact.
“His performance off the ball was unbelievable,” Maresca said. “Everyone knows his quality, but when he was working hard off the ball, he was in charge of Wharton, he was controlling him. He was very good.
“He helps us and will help us in the future. We know he is a quality player. I thought he was very good off the ball and worked very hard.”
Foden’s adjustment continues
Foden was once again subjected to mixed opinions from viewers, as he wasted several clear opportunities in the first half before contributing two assists.
Maresca strikes a patient tone when talking about a player he clearly sees as key to his plans, while admitting that the winger role is not where Foden feels most comfortable.
“In the last 10 to 15 minutes, you could see he was happier playing inside behind Erling. That’s his position. He’s trying to adapt and try to help when he’s playing as a winger. His work is good, and he’s doing a very good job.”
“He’s adapting, we know he’s not a winger, and we’re trying to find a solution. When he was inside, you could see he was enjoying it more. The attitude is very good and that’s what we need.”
