Enzo Maresca's perfect Manchester City start continues with seventh win

Manchester City have won all seven of their matches this season under new manager Enzo Maresca, opening a three-point lead at the top of the Premier League.

Enzo Maresca has begun his Manchester City tenure with a flawless record of seven wins from seven matches. The new manager's perfect start has silenced early questions about his ability to succeed Pep Guardiola and has sent City to the top of the Premier League.

James Whaling noted the variety in the victories. "Played five, won five, seven from seven in all competitions, and they have found different ways to win along the way," he said.

The latest triumph was a 5-3 victory over Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. Erling Haaland, the club's top scorer this season with five goals, netted a late clincher in the 81st minute. Antoine Semenyo scored twice, while Enzo Fernández and Rayan Cherki also found the net in a match that showed City's relentless attacking power.

That result followed a 5-0 thrashing of Norwich and a significant 1-0 win at Old Trafford against Manchester United, achieved despite playing with ten men for much of the second half. City now sit first in the Premier League with 15 points from five games, three points clear of Arsenal.

Attacking riches

Andy Dunn highlighted the array of options at Maresca's disposal. "Maresca’s attacking permutations are mouth-watering. Cherki, Foden, Doku, Semenyo, Ndiaye, all feeding Haaland," he observed.

This firepower has yielded 13 goals in the league already, with only five conceded. The team's recent form reads as five consecutive wins, a run they will look to extend after the international break. Check the full schedule on our fixtures page.

Contrasting fortunes

City's blistering start stands in stark contrast to the struggles of some rivals. Tottenham Hotspur, managed by Roberto De Zerbi, are bottom of the table without a win this season. Their pre-season was disrupted by injuries sustained on a trip to Australia, and they lack a reliable striker.

Manchester United, under Michael Carrick, are 12th with just one victory, while Chelsea's start has also been labelled disappointing. Brighton, meanwhile, have impressed under Fabian Hurzeler and sit third after a 3-0 win over Arsenal.

Maresca's immediate task is to prepare for a tough away match at Anfield against Liverpool on October 11. Liverpool currently sit sixth, and the last meeting between the sides was a 4-2 victory for City. The squad, including top scorer Haaland, will be aiming to maintain this perfect start on Merseyside.