Ruben Dias has acknowledged the frustration inside the Manchester City dressing room following their first defeat of the new campaign — but insists there is plenty to be positive about.

Nicolas Jackson's brace either side of an Erling Haaland equaliser gave Aston Villa the win at Villa Park on Saturday afternoon. It was a result that leaves City still top of the Premier League, edging Arsenal on goal difference.

Dias: 'We Fought a Lot'

Speaking to City's official channels after the match, Dias gave a measured assessment of a difficult afternoon.

"Frustrating. Felt like we fought a lot," said Dias.

The centre-back admitted City took their time to settle, with the opening 10 to 15 minutes spent getting into the game. Villa changed their setup, and Dias felt the home side's efficiency in transition proved decisive.

"But we fought, had chances, they ended up scoring two in two transitions — very efficient."

Jackson had opened the scoring inside six minutes, punishing an error from Marc Guehi and a heavy touch at the back. Gianluigi Donnarumma was beaten high by the Senegalese striker's finish.

Donnarumma Error and a Cruel Second

Haaland's equaliser early in the second half gave City a route back into the contest, but Donnarumma then made an error on the hour mark, failing to keep out Jackson's strike from an Ibrahim Mbaye cross.

Dias said the timing of that second goal was especially tough to take.

"The second was tough because it was very close to our equaliser."

Despite the setback, Dias praised the reaction of his teammates and their persistence in trying to create chances.

"We kept going and tried to create. Not our day but we keep moving forward."

He added: "I felt we were dangerous on many occasions, even if the finish wasn't there, we arrived in dangerous places but not able to play."

The defender also offered a word of appreciation to his teammates for their effort.

"A word of appreciation to the boys because we kept fighting to the end."

Brighton Double Header Offers Quick Chance to Respond

Dias was clear that the response must come quickly.

"Room to improve, we need to do better. Whatever happens we need to react."

City do not have long to wait. Enzo Maresca's side take on Brighton & Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup fourth round on Wednesday night at the Etihad Stadium, before hosting the Seagulls once more at the weekend in a Premier League clash.

Fabian Hurzeler's team arrive having already overcome Manchester United at Old Trafford in round three of the Carabao Cup. Their recent form is mixed — a 2-0 loss to Liverpool at Anfield in their last top-flight outing, but also a 4-0 home win over Aston Villa, a 0-5 away win against Coventry City, a 3-0 win over Arsenal and a 5-0 victory over Crystal Palace.

Maresca faces the media in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, when he is likely to be asked about the response required from his eight-time Premier League champions.