A relentless attacking display overwhelmed Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium, allowing Manchester City to claim a decisive victory in the 15th round of the Premier League. The opener came in the 30th minute when Rúben Dias scored from play, setting the tone for the match. Just four minutes later, Josko Gvardiol doubled the lead with a well-directed header, making it 2-0 before halftime. Phil Foden sealed the win with another header in the 65th minute, bringing the final score to 3-0.
Both Granit Xhaka from Sunderland and Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku were left frustrated as their attempts hit the woodwork, denying them the chance to score.
Phil Foden was the standout performer, contributing 1 goal, completing 50 accurate passes, and registering 5 shots on target throughout the match.
Rúben Dias also shone as a pivotal defender, not only scoring a goal but also clearing 5 balls from the danger area, proving his worth in both attack and defense.
City’s manager, Josep Guardiola, set up his team in a 4-3-3 formation, featuring Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal; Matheus Nunes, Rúben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, and Nico O’Reilly in defense; Bernardo Silva, Nicolás Gonzalez, and Phil Foden in midfield; and Rayan Cherki, Erling Haaland, and Jeremy Doku leading the attack.
Sunderland, under the guidance of coach Regis Le Bris, opted for a 3-4-3 setup with Robin Roefs in goal; Lutsharel Geertruida, Daniel Ballard, and Omar Alderete in defense; Nordi Mukiele, Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki, and Trai Hume in the midfield; and Enzo Le Fée, Wilson Isidor, and Bertrand Traoré upfront.
The match was officiated by Andrew Madley.
Looking ahead, Manchester City will face Crystal Palace away in their next fixture, while Sunderland will host Newcastle United. With this triumph, City now sits at 31 points in the league, retaining second place, whilst Sunderland stands at 23 points in seventh.
Substitutions for Manchester City
68’ 2H – Erling Haaland off for Omar Marmoush; Phil Foden off for Tijjani Reijnders
69’ 2H – Josko Gvardiol off for Nathan Aké
81’ 2H – Rayan Cherki off for Savinho; Bernardo Silva off for Rico Lewis
Yellow Card for Manchester City:
36’ 1H – Josko Gvardiol (Unsporting conduct)
Substitutions for Sunderland
55’ 2H – Wilson Isidor off for Brian Brobbey; Bertrand Traoré off for Chemsdine Talbi
71’ 2H – Granit Xhaka off for Romaine Mundle; Noah Sadiki off for Simon Adingra
87’ 2H – Trai Hume off for Luke O’Nien
Red Card for Sunderland:
49’ 2H – Luke O’Nien (Direct red card)