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Manchester City Ownership Puts Early Pressure on Enzo Maresca After Two Matches

Manchester City, with six Premier League titles under Pep Guardiola, have set a tough standard that Enzo Maresca must meet in his first season managing the club at the Etihad Stadium. After a rough start, losing 3-0 to Arsenal in the Community Shield final, Maresca’s squad bounced back by earning six points from their opening two Premier League matches against Bournemouth and Crystal Palace. Still, the club's ownership is watching closely to ensure these results continue.

Pressure from Ownership to Maintain Excellence

The club’s owners have made it clear they will not tolerate anything less than excellence. Manchester City finished second in the 2025-26 Premier League, seven points behind Arsenal, who finally clinched the title after several attempts. Before that, Guardiola's teams consistently outperformed Arsenal:

  • 2022-23: Manchester City 89 points, Arsenal 84 points
  • 2023-24: Manchester City 91 points, Arsenal 89 points
  • 2024-25: Arsenal fell to Liverpool with 84 points to Liverpool's 74

During Guardiola's last season, City also secured a domestic double by winning the Carabao Cup against Arsenal and edging Chelsea in the FA Cup.

Early Season Standings and Club Expectations

After two Premier League matches this season, Manchester City currently sits at the top of the table, tied with Arsenal on points and goal difference but ahead due to goals scored. Internally, there is pride in the strong performances but also a sharp reminder of the club’s ambitions.

"There is confidence at Man City that the recruitment is good enough to expect Enzo Maresca to fight across all four competitions," revealed City journalist Simon Bajkowski.

Depth is highlighted in every position, despite significant roster changes. The club believes the squad is even stronger than last season’s, largely because of record-breaking transfers like former Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez. Additionally, they signed World Cup breakout star Ayyoub Bouaddi for just under £100 million, and nearly broke the British transfer record again when acquiring Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116 million. Anderson has already started all three opening games for City.

The Challenge Ahead for Maresca

Whether Maresca can lead Manchester City to Premier League and Champions League victories remains uncertain, but the message from ownership is unambiguous: success is expected, and any failure will invite scrutiny.

Summary of Manchester City’s Recent Premier League Finishes

  • 2022-23: Manchester City – 89 points; Arsenal – 84 points
  • 2023-24: Manchester City – 91 points; Arsenal – 89 points
  • 2024-25: Arsenal – 84 points; Liverpool – 74 points (Arsenal lost title)
  • 2025-26: Arsenal – 87 points (champions); Manchester City – 80 points (runners-up)

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