Manchester City secured a thrilling victory over Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium, dominating their audacious opponents in a high-scoring encounter. Under the guidance of Enzo Maresca, the Cityzens won 5-3, extending their lead at the top of the Premier League table, pulling three points clear of Arsenal.
The match got off to a sensational start, with City's star newcomer Enzo Fernandez opening the scoring in the 11th minute with a beautifully struck direct free-kick. However, the Black Cats equalised just a minute later, as forward Brian Brobbey raced one-on-one and deftly rounded Gianluigi Donnarumma.
City reasserted their dominance in the 29th minute when Ryan Cherki netted following a precise pass from Antoine Semenyo. Yet, the visitors proved resolute, with Brobbey making it 2-2 in the 33rd minute, completing his brace after connecting with Tom Mernier's assist, dashing through City's offside trap.
The home side finished the first half on a high, with Semenyo scoring in the 43rd minute after a Mark Gehi delivery. The Ghanaian then netted again in the 57th minute, capitalising on a calamitous defensive lapse from Sunderland.
Sunderland refused to back down, and on the 59th minute, Brobbey completed his hat-trick, converting a chance after a lob from Granit Xhaka and a cross from Marco Angulo, narrowing City's lead to 4-3.
But it was Erling Haaland who put the final nail in the coffin in the 83rd minute, heading in Josko Guardiola's delivery from the far post to seal the victory. Remarkably, this goal meant Haaland has now scored against every Premier League club he has faced.
