Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has admitted that conceding an early goal against Arsenal was a major setback in their Community Shield defeat.
The Gunners beat City 3-0 on Sunday, with goals from Riccardo Calafiori, Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live after the match, Maresca also expressed disappointment that his team failed to take their chances before Arsenal doubled their lead.
“I think the goal we conceded after 25 seconds unfortunately affected the game at that moment.
“I think after the goal, the reaction was quite good before they scored the second one, we had three or four chances to score and draw the game but unfortunately we conceded the second one and it became more complicated.
“Disappointed with that because in this kind of game the level is so similar that when you concede a goal, it then becomes difficult but I think the action after the first goal was quite good and we created chances but again, 2-0 was even more complicated.”
