Manchester City were held to a goalless draw thanks to an incredible rearguard performance by Sunderland to fall four points behind leaders Arsenal in the Premier League title race.
Pep Guardiola’s side had seen the Gunners underline their credentials by taking apart in-form contenders Aston Villa on Tuesday, but went home frustrated following the entertaining draw at the Stadium of Light.
City had given Sunderland an early warning sign when Bernardo Silva’s close-range finish from Erling Haaland’s flick-on was ruled out for offside inside the opening six minutes, though the away side’s best chance in the first half fell to Haaland – who struck straight at Robin Roefs from 12 yards.
The hosts were holding firm but did have opportunities of their own – Brian Brobbey outmuscled Ruben Dias to a long ball over the top, but could only strike straight at the towering frame of Gianluigi Donnarumma, while on the verge of half-time, Trai Hume’s glancing header sailed narrowly over.
Midfielder Rodri returned to action for City at the start of the second half, replacing Nico Gonzalez, but City were left frustrated as Jeremy Doku was denied by the magnificent Nordi Mukiele taking a strike to his face, while Josko Gvardiol’s flicked effort clipped the post.
Donnarumma sprung down to claw out Eliezer Mayenda’s low shot but neither side were able to find a winner, as Sunderland claimed a well-earned point to preserve their unbeaten record at home this season.
