David Moyes’ first competitive match ended in a heartbreaking defeat at the Etihad Stadium.
A stupid challenge from van Aanholt allowed Sergio Aguero to give City the lead inside five minutes, but great play from new signing Adnan Januzaj allowed Jermain Defoe to level after the break.
It looked as though the Black Cats would hold on for a point, but another mistake from van Aanholt allowed David Silva to put a cross into the six-yard box which was headed in by the helpless debutante Paddy McNair.
Lynden Gooch and Donald love also made their first starts for the club, with Love having a solid if unspectacular début against the title favourites.
The late winner was a cruel end to what had been a spirited performance by a Sunderland team many expected to be thrashed, which is one of the positives to take from the match.
What else can be learned from the game?
