Dias admits City were off the pace in Villa defeat
Rúben Dias voiced frustration after Man City's 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa ended their unbeaten run, with Nicolas Jackson's brace proving the difference at Villa Park.
· Kickhell
Manchester City captain Rúben Dias expressed frustration after a 2-1 Premier League defeat to Aston Villa ended the club's unbeaten start to the season, with Enzo Maresca suffering his first top-flight loss as City manager.
Nicolas Jackson scored twice for the hosts, either side of an Erling Haaland equaliser, with Villa proving more clinical despite City enjoying 63% possession and registering seven shots on target at a wet Villa Park.
"Frustrating, it felt like we fought a lot," Dias said after the game. "For the first 10-15 minutes of the first half we took our time to get into the game. They changed the way they set up so we took time to adapt."
The defender acknowledged Villa's efficiency on the counter. "They ended up scoring two goals in two transitions — very efficient. Room to improve, we need to do better."
Dias was nevertheless keen to credit his teammates' attitude. "I felt like we were dangerous on many occasions, even if the finish wasn't there we arrived in dangerous places. A word of appreciation to the boys because we kept fighting to the end."
The defeat leaves City top of the Premier League table on 21 points from eight games, but the captain is already focused on what comes next. City face Brighton in the Carabao Cup fourth round on Wednesday before hosting the same opponents in the league the following Saturday.
"A top team, another one," Dias said of Brighton. "A different way to play so we'll make the adaptation then focus on ourselves — that's the main thing. Our spirit, our will to win."
