Manchester City suffered their first Premier League defeat of the season at a boisterous Aston Villa on Saturday, amid persistent reminders of their financial charges. "You know what you are," echoed around Villa Park, with the chant including the word "cheating" following City's guilty verdict relating to breaches of the Premier League's financial rules. While it has been business as usual around the club as they await any sanctions - and the outcome of their appeal - midfielder Elliot Anderson seemed to let the mask slip when asked whether his side would be facing a hostile Villa crowd. "Yes, probably," the England international told TNT Sports prior to the game. "Everywhere we go we get it."
The Liverpool fans made their feelings known during City's trip to Anfield, while the visit to the Midlands was just City's second away game since the announcement of the independent commission's decision. Those in the travelling party have been given a clear flavour of what is to come for the remainder of the season and, with players openly speaking about taking flak, the antagonism is seemingly difficult to block out. But manager Enzo Maresca was steadfast in his belief that the two recent performances away from home highlighted how the players will not be affected by recent events.
"We played Liverpool away, Villa away, and the players showed that they don't care about noise," Maresca told BBC Sport. "They play the game, they are focused on the game and are doing the right things."
Back-to-back home games against Brighton, in the Carabao Cup and Premier League, should provide some respite this week before City head to RB Leipzig in the Champions League.
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing