Enzo Maresca has a confession to make. Five goals against Sunderland, a seventh consecutive win in all competitions, and the Manchester City manager would still take a scrappy 1-0.
"To be honest, I prefer to win 1-0 than 5-3," he told The Athletic after watching his side score five and concede three at the Etihad.
The admission cuts against the reputation he brought with him from Leicester City and Chelsea, where his teams were known for patient, possession-heavy football. The reality at City is proving rather more aggressive. Maresca wants his players pressing high, winning the ball back quickly, and attacking the moment the opportunity appears — not settling into another passing sequence.
"The message is try to win the ball back as soon as possible. Also, if there is a chance to attack immediately, we can attack immediately."
That approach was on full display for City's second goal against Sunderland. Iliman Ndiaye won possession high up the pitch, Josko Gvardiol collected the loose ball, and within seconds City had turned a turnover into a goal. It was the kind of moment that explains why the manager is willing to accept a little chaos in exchange for the rewards.
Sunderland, though, exposed the other side of the equation. Brian Brobbey scored a hat-trick, repeatedly troubling City's back line, and the visitors scored three times while causing problems throughout the second half.
Maresca acknowledged afterwards that his team must find a better balance between creating chances and preventing them. The entertainment value is high. The clean sheets are not.
Still, the results keep coming. City have won all five of their opening Premier League fixtures, scoring 13 goals. The 1-0 derby victory at Manchester United showed a different side — one capable of grinding out a result after Phil Foden's early red card, defending a narrow lead rather than chasing a bigger scoreline.
That performance, perhaps more than the Sunderland thriller, is the one that aligns with Maresca's stated preference. Seven wins in a row is seven wins in a row. But the manager has made it clear which kind he enjoys most.