We fell to our first Premier League loss of the season after Nicolas Jackson’s brace either side of Erling Haaland’s second-half header.
The Blues had 63% of the possession, 53 touches in Villa’s box and seven shots on target compared to the hosts’ two.
All that pleased Maresca, but the Italian said it means little if we can’t convert it into goals.
“I think we deserved more from the game for the amount of chances that we created and for the chances we conceded” he stated.
“Now we need to review a little bit the game.
“For sure when you see the amount of time we spent in their box, sometimes you probably need to be a little bit more accurate in the last third and try to score goals.
“We lost because we probably are not being clinical enough in their box.”
Maresca also insisted that City could have handled the situations that led to Villa’s two goals better.
However, he says he was pleased with the amount of chances we restricted Unai Emery’s in-form side to.
“We need to find that balance,” he began.
“If you mention to come here and don’t concede one or two transitions it’s almost not the reality.
“In the second half I don’t remember any more shots or any chances for them apart from the goal we conceded in transition.
“Sometimes you concede a goal from a mistake.
“The second goal again comes from transition, and over 45 minutes it’s difficult to avoid that every time.
“But we learn from the game and move on and we try to improve.”
City v Brighton: ÂŁ20 for adults and ÂŁ1 for U18s
Tickets are now on sale for our Carabao Cup fourth round meeting with Brighton.
We host Fabian Hurzeler’s side at 19:30 (UK) on Wednesday 28 October.
Tickets for adults start from just £20, with all U18s only £1 – and you can also buy up to six tickets per person.
Taking place during half term school holidays too, it’s the perfect time to experience a night under the Etihad lights for all the family!
And there will be so much to do beforehand, with a Kids Fanzone just over the road at the City Football Academy ahead of kick-off.
Meanwhile, hospitality is available from just ÂŁ100 with a range of packages on offer to suit your needs, whether a special occasion for a loved one or for something professional.
Book your place at the Seagulls encounter below.
