The Citizens, who entered the match on the back of narrow escapes against Leeds United and Fulham, produced one of their most assured performances of the season under Pep Guardiola. Goals from Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, and Phil Foden sealed a comprehensive victory, while Sunderland's challenge crumbled after a red card to substitute Luke O'Nien in stoppage time.
The breakthrough came in the 38th minute when defender Ruben Dias unleashed a stunning 25-yard strike – just his sixth goal for City – that rocketed into the top corner, leaving Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs rooted to the spot. The Black Cats, who started the day in fifth place on the back of a strong return to the top flight, had barely regrouped before Gvardiol doubled the lead three minutes later, rising highest to head home a pinpoint corner from Bernardo Silva.
Sunderland showed flickers of fight early in the second half, with Adama Traore testing City's defense on the break, but the game was put beyond doubt in the 62nd minute. French winger Rayan Cherki, in a moment of sheer brilliance, delivered an outrageous rabona cross from the right flank, which Foden met with a clinical header – his fifth goal in three league games and a testament to his red-hot form.
The result marks City's seventh consecutive Premier League home win against Sunderland and their third straight victory in the league, propelling them to 31 points and second place. Arsenal's shock 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa earlier in the day – sealed by Emiliano Buendia's 95th-minute winner – handed Guardiola's side a golden opportunity, which they grasped with both hands.
Post-match, Guardiola hailed the performance as "one of the best of the season," praising Cherki's "magical" assist and the defensive solidity that kept a clean sheet. "We needed this control after those scares," the City boss said. "Now we look to Madrid [in the Champions League] with confidence, but the Premier League is our focus – two points is nothing."
Sunderland, slipping to seventh with 25 points, can point to a valiant effort but rued their slow start and the late dismissal of O'Nien for a reckless challenge on Matheus Nunes. Manager Michael Beale admitted, "We came here to compete, but City's quality was too much today. We'll learn and bounce back."
With the Africa Cup of Nations looming from December 21, City will hope to maintain this momentum ahead of a midweek trip to Real Madrid in the Champions League. Fans at the Etihad were treated to a masterclass, chanting "Champions again" as the final whistle blew – a reminder that the title race is far from over.
Key Match Stats:
Possession: Man City 68% – Sunderland 32%
Shots (on target): Man City 18 (7) – Sunderland 6 (2)
Corners: Man City 9 – Sunderland 3
Fouls: Man City 8 – Sunderland 12
Man of the Match: Rayan Cherki (Man City)
Entertainment Factory!
No comments
Post a Comment