Sunderland opened their 2016/17 premier league account with a hard-fought defeat to Manchester City this afternoon.
The Black Cats did not get off to the best start when Patrick Van Aanholt brought down Raheem Sterling in the area conceding a fourth-minute penalty. Sergio Aguero confidently stepped up to convert despite Vito Mannone guessing the right way. Manchester City went on to control the play throughout, however, Sunderland had their chances to equalise, with Jermain Defoe missing a great opportunity late in the first-half.
The second half began much like the first, however, the Black Cats clawed their way back into the match through Jermain Defoe after some neat play between Adnan Januzaj and Jack Rodwell, with Defoe cooly slotting below Willy Cabellero in the City goal.
The Wearsiders were unable to hang on though, and in typical Sunderland fashion, they were their own victims. Debutant Paddy McNair turned into his own goal after some good wing play by Jesus Navas.
Despite the late heartache, Sunderland showed some promising phases of play, below are how the Black Cats rated.
