Arsenal’s stunning loss on the south coast opened the door for City and they took full advantage.
They are the only side in England’s top four divisions with a 100% winning record intact, going three points clear at the top of the Premier League.
Such has been the brilliant start that Maresca becomes only the sixth Premier League manager to win his first five games in charge at a club after Carlo Ancelotti, Craig Shakespeare, Maurizio Sarri and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The other name? Predecessor Guardiola when he took over at City in 2016.
On the pitch there were plenty of positives to take too, including the return to form of Antoine Semenyo with two goals and an assist, Rayan Cherki’s delightful performance and Enzo Fernandez scoring his first goal for the club.
Meanwhile, striker Erling Haaland’s late effort means the Norwegian ticked off Sunderland from his scoring list – he has now netted against all 25 Premier League teams he has faced.
It means City have put pressure on Arsenal in the early stages of the campaign, with the Gunners previously being tipped as heavy favourites to retain their crown.
City, though, will undergo a stern examination upon their return to action after the three-week international hiatus, facing a trip to unbeaten Liverpool on Sunday, 11 October.
Former Reds midfielder Charlie Adam described it as a “brilliant start to the season” for City, adding on Radio 5 Live: “A lot to work on but [positive] to score five goals at home and have shown that level of performance.
“With Arsenal losing on Saturday, [City] could have gone into the break top of the table and they have done that today.”