Sunderland registered nine shots on target in 5-3 defeat to Manchester City

Manchester City maintained their position at the top of the Premier League with a thrilling 5-3 victory over Sunderland. The win leaves them three points clear of their closest rivals after Arsenal lost their match against Brighton. Enzo Maresca's side faced a challenging encounter, displaying a mix of attacking flair and defensive frailties throughout the match, which turned out to be a chaotic affair with eight goals scored.

City opened the scoring early through a clever free-kick from Enzo Fernandez. However, the first half quickly escalated into a goal-fest, with Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo also finding the net. Sunderland's Brian Brobbey scored twice, showcasing his striking prowess and levelling the score at one point. The first half concluded with five goals, setting the stage for an intense second half.

The second half saw further drama as Semenyo scored again to put City ahead 4-2, only for Brobbey to complete his hat-trick shortly after. City's defensive lapses allowed Sunderland to remain competitive, with the visitors registering nine shots on target. Despite the frantic nature of the match, Erling Haaland capped off the scoring for City, marking a notable achievement by scoring against all 25 opponents he has faced in the Premier League.

Maresca acknowledged the chaotic nature of the match, stating he would prefer a more controlled victory. He praised Sunderland's attacking play, highlighting their ability to challenge his side. The City players expressed relief at securing the win, reflecting the intensity of the contest. Sunderland, despite the loss, left with their heads held high, having demonstrated resilience and attacking intent against one of Europe's top teams.

via Sky Sports