Man City players can block out 'noise' of away fans - Maresca

Maresca insists City players can block out hostile away crowds and focus on football despite financial charges controversy.

Manchester City suffered their first Premier League defeat of the season at Aston Villa on Saturday, with away fans chanting about the club's financial breaches. Midfielder Elliot Anderson acknowledged the hostile atmosphere, saying City face it everywhere they go, while defender Marc Guehi noted it can be easy to be affected by the noise.

Manager Enzo Maresca defended his players' mentality, telling BBC Sport that performances at Liverpool and Villa showed they can focus on what they control. "We are focused on our job and the players are focused on what they can do on the pitch," he said. Maresca praised Guehi as a "top guy" despite a difficult display that included giving away the ball for Villa's opening goal.

City's travelling support has responded with self-deprecating humour, countering hostile chants with their own songs. Back-to-back home games against Brighton in the Carabao Cup and Premier League this week should provide respite before Champions League action at RB Leipzig and a league trip to Nottingham Forest on 7 November.