Sunderland Fall 5-3 in Eight-Goal Etihad Thriller
Manchester City beat Sunderland 5-3 in a Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, according to BBC Sport. Regis Le Bris’s side scored three times on the road but came away with nothing to show for it. The Sunderland 5-3 Man City scoreline produced eight goals between two of the division’s most attack-minded teams.
The Black Cats matched City for large spells of the game. Supporters on both sides praised an open, end-to-end contest rather than a cagey away display. For more on the manager’s view of the game, read our earlier report on Le Bris’s reaction.
BBC Sport Confirms Top Spot for City After Arsenal Slip
BBC Sport confirmed that City’s win sent them to the top of the Premier League table. Arsenal had lost earlier on Sunday. City made the most of that slip by beating Sunderland 5-3 to move above them.
City fan Youssef summed up the mood among home supporters after full time.
“We fought. We battled. We won. What a perfect performance by the lads and what a magnificent way to capitalise on Arsenal’s loss yesterday and secure ourselves at the top of the table.”
Fellow City fan Owain also praised Sunderland’s approach, while singling out one performer in particular.
“Brilliant going forward but suspect at the back. Sunderland were a credit and gave us a real test. Brian Brobbey will be a very good player in the near future. Thought we were pressurised and our passes went astray too often. We now have three good wide options. I like Enzo Fernandez. I hope the Semenyo-distracted will leave him alone. Looked very impressive and deserved his player of the match.”
Attacking Bravery Offers Hope Despite Poor Defending
Sunderland’s approach at the Etihad won admirers among neutrals and rivals alike. Supporters pointed to the team’s refusal to sit back against the champions elect, even as City’s front line punished defensive mistakes.
Fan Robert was among those praising Le Bris’s team for how they played the game.
Absolute credit to Sunderland who came to the Etihad to play football and not put 10-men behind the ball. They made this game what it was, very entertaining and worth watching.
Sunderland supporter Stuart felt the same pride despite the result, and fellow Sunderland fan Mason believed the performance showed real promise for the rest of the season.
Although our defending was poor, the way we went toe-to-toe with City and caused them so many problems makes me proud. I think a lot of neutrals will enjoy watching Sunderland this season.
A swashbuckling approach that took City by surprise. Individual defensive errors cost Sunderland but overall it was a performance which showed they could go toe-to-toe with the best. Cut out those mistakes and it will soon click.
Mark, a Sunderland fan, praised the character on show, and fan Phil pointed to two individual performances that stood out to him.
Another incredibly spirited display – my goodness, this team has character. The results will come.
Didn’t want to sign Enzo, but what a player. Him and Elliott Anderson were outstanding.
Sunderland Seek Point Boost Following Etihad Display
Despite the entertainment at the Etihad, Sunderland remain short of points this season. Sunderland fan David pointed out the gap between the team’s performance level and their position in the table.
Can’t believe Sunderland have only four points – not many teams will come to the Etihad and score three! They have got the verve, commitment and fire-power to have a really good season. Keep trying, Mackems!
David’s point captures the mixed feeling around the club after the Sunderland 5-3 Man City defeat. The performance level was clear for all to see, yet Le Bris’s side have collected just four points so far this season.
Full detail on the goals, changes and individual ratings from the Etihad is available in our full Etihad match report and ratings. Wider coverage of Sunday’s game, including the official account of the goals, can be found in the BBC Sport match coverage.
Sunderland will hope to turn this attacking bravery into points sooner rather than later. On this evidence, few sides in the division will relish facing them.
