A storm of goals overwhelmed Sunderland as Manchester City claimed a decisive victory in the 15th round of the Premier League. The scoring began at the 30-minute mark with a well-executed goal from Rúben Dias. Just four minutes later, Josko Gvardiol doubled the lead with a header. Phil Foden sealed the win with a second-half header in the 65th minute.
Both Granit Xhaka of Sunderland and Jeremy Doku of Manchester City saw their attempts hit the woodwork, leaving them frustrated.
Phil Foden was undoubtedly the man of the match, netting one goal, completing 50 accurate passes, and taking five shots at goal. Rúben Dias also shone defensively, contributing with a goal and clearing five balls from dangerous areas.
Manchester City’s manager, Josep Guardiola, set his team up in a 4-3-3 formation with 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; along with Rayan Cherki, Erling Haaland, and Jeremy Doku up front.
On the other hand, Sunderland, directed by Regis Le Bris, played in a 3-4-3 formation with Robin Roefs in goal; Lutsharel Geertruida, Daniel Ballard, and Omar Alderete in the backline; Nordi Mukiele, Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki, and Trai Hume in midfield; and Enzo Le Fée, Wilson Isidor, and Bertrand Traoré leading the attack.
The referee overseeing the match at the Etihad Stadium was Andrew Madley.
Looking ahead to the next fixture, Manchester City will visit Crystal Palace, while Sunderland will host Newcastle United.
This result puts the hosts on 31 points in the season, placing them second, while Sunderland remains at 23 points in seventh place.
Substitutions for Manchester City
68’ 2nd Half – Erling Haaland for Omar Marmoush, Phil Foden for Tijjani Reijnders
69’ 2nd Half – Josko Gvardiol for Nathan Aké
81’ 2nd Half – Rayan Cherki for Savinho, Bernardo Silva for Rico Lewis
Yellow card for Manchester City:
36’ 1st Half – Josko Gvardiol (Unsporting behavior)
Substitutions for Sunderland
55’ 2nd Half – Wilson Isidor for Brian Brobbey, Bertrand Traoré for Chemsdine Talbi
71’ 2nd Half – Granit Xhaka for Romaine Mundle, Noah Sadiki for Simon Adingra
87’ 2nd Half – Trai Hume for Luke O’Nien
Red card for Sunderland:
49’ 2nd Half – Luke O’Nien (Straight red card)