Manchester City moved three points clear at the top of the Premier League after surviving a remarkable Sunderland challenge at the Etihad, winning 5-3 in an afternoon of relentless attacking football.
Enzo Maresca’s side maintained their 100 per cent league record, although Sunderland repeatedly exposed weaknesses in a City defence that had conceded only twice in the competition before this meeting.
Enzo Fernandez opened the scoring after nine minutes, registering his first Manchester City goal since his £125 million move from Chelsea. His cleverly struck free kick caught Sunderland at the near post and gave City the advantage from their first attack.
Sunderland responded quickly. Enzo Le Fee delivered an excellent pass for Brian Brobbey, who slipped his finish beyond Gianluigi Donnarumma.
That response established the pattern of a contest in which Sunderland repeatedly recovered from setbacks.
Sunderland refuse to retreat at Etihad
Manchester City regained the lead after Sunderland were caught attempting to play out from defence. City moved the ball to Rayan Cherki, who finished accurately into the bottom corner.
Once again, Sunderland answered.
Le Fee split the Manchester City defence and found Thomas Meunier, whose unselfish square pass allowed Brobbey to finish into an empty net. A lengthy VAR examination followed before the goal was confirmed.
City gradually began enjoying longer spells of possession inside Sunderland territory. Two minutes before half time, Antoine Semenyo restored their lead with a sweetly struck effort after Sunderland failed to clear a cross from the right.
Maresca’s team then had an opportunity to establish a two goal cushion during first half stoppage time. Iliman Ndiaye created the opening for Erling Haaland, who sent his effort wide with the goal exposed.
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It was an important escape for Sunderland, who had contributed considerably to a breathless opening 45 minutes.
