"We Fought" - Ruben Dias Admits to 'Frustration' in Manchester City Defeat to Aston Villa
Manchester City captain Ruben Dias has insisted that while defeat to Aston Villa was "frustrating", there are plenty of encouraging signs to take away from Villa Park on Saturday afternoon.
A big season for Manchester City captain Ruben Dias
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Nicolas Jackson's brace was the difference between Aston Villa and Manchester City at the weekend, as Unai Emery's frontman cancelled out Erling Haaland's equaliser earlier in the second-half.
The Senegalese striker opened the scoring in the Midlands inside just six minutes, punishing an error from Marc Guehi and the City defender's heavy touch at the back, striking high above a helpless Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The Italian goalkeeper would then submit to his own error on the hour mark of the game, failing to keep out Nicolas Jackson's strike from an Ibrahim Mbaye cross, despite the ball being struck directly at him.
Despite their first defeat of the new campaign, Manchester City remain Premier League leaders, edging the reigning champions Arsenal on goal difference at the summit of the English top-flight table.
Frustrating but appreciation, insists Dias
Speaking to Manchester City's official channels after the defeat at Villa Park on Saturday afternoon, Ruben Dias insisted that while the side have come away with frustration, there is certainly plenty to be positive about regarding the performance.
"Frustrating. Felt like we fought a lot," said Dias. "First 10, 15 minutes we took our time to get into the game. They changed the way they set up so we took time to adapt.
"But we fought, had chances, they ended up scoring two in two transitions - very efficient. Room to improve, we need to do better. Whatever happens we need to react.
"The team had a very good reaction. The second was tough because it was very close to our equaliser. We kept going and tried to create."
However, Dias pointed that out City did have their moments and despite a frustrating result, the eight-time Premier League champions will learn from the trip to the west Midlands as they look to build on a very strong start to the Maresca era.
"Not our day but we keep moving forward," he added. "I felt we were dangerous on many occasions, even if the finish wasn't there, we arrived in dangerous places but not able to play. A word of appreciation to the boys because we kept fighting to the end."
Man City's senior stars set for rest?
The likes of Ruben Dias and other senior members of the Manchester City first-team squad may now be handed an opportunity for rest and extended recovery before the club's next Premier League match.
Enzo Maresca's side take on Brighton & Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup fourth round on Wednesday night at the Etihad Stadium, before hosting the Seagulls once more at the weekend in a Premier League clash.
Fabian Hurzeler's side will no doubt offer a stern test in both contests, having already overcome City's cross-town rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford in round three, whilst their start to the new Premier League season has been equally impressive.
Despite defeat in their last top-flight outing, a 2-0 loss to Liverpool at Anfield, Brighton & Hove Albion have registered the likes of a 4-0 home win over Aston Villa, a 0-5 away win against Coventry City, a 3-0 win over Arsenal, and a 5-0 victory over Crystal Palace.
Manchester City manager Maresca will likely offer further details as to the extent of his rotation to the club's starting line-up against Brighton when he faces the media in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday.