Paul Merson believes there is “no way” Man City will win the Premier League if they continue defending as they did in Sunday’s extraordinary 5-3 victory over Sunderland.
City head into the international break three points clear at the top of the table after winning each of their opening five league games under Enzo Maresca.
They have scored 13 goals along the way, but Sunderland exposed some defensive problems at the Etihad as Brian Brobbey became the first visiting player to score a Premier League hat-trick against City since 2003.
Merson questions Man City title chances
Speaking on Sky Sports, Merson was unimpressed by what he saw despite City maintaining their perfect start.
“If they play like that, there’s no way they win the Premier League,” he said. “They were all over the place at the back. You can’t keep on scoring five goals to win football matches.”
Sunderland had nine shots on target during Sunday’s game and repeatedly caused problems as City struggled to contain Brobbey. Merson believes stronger opponents will punish Maresca’s side if those defensive issues continue, although Sunday’s performance came after a run of four successive clean sheets in all competitions.
Maresca was also unhappy with aspects of the display. After watching his side concede three times, the City boss admitted he would prefer a 1-0 victory to winning 5-3 and felt two of Sunderland’s goals had been too easy.
City nevertheless reach the break as the only Premier League side with a 100 per cent record after five matches. Their next league game will provide another examination of Merson’s argument, with Maresca’s side travelling to Anfield to face Liverpool on 11 October.
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