Manchester City Beat Sunderland 5-3 as Semenyo Doubles and Haaland Seals Win
Manchester City extended their winning run to five matches with a chaotic 5-3 Premier League victory over Sunderland, surviving Brian Brobbey’s hat-trick as Antoine Semenyo struck twice and Erling Haaland delivered the late clincher.
Haaland’s 81st-minute finish, meeting Josko Gvardiol’s cross, finally ended Sunderland’s resistance at the Etihad. City had repeatedly been pulled into danger by Brobbey’s direct running and clinical finishing, but their attacking depth proved decisive.
Semenyo was the central figure during the most volatile passages of the match. He scored in the 43rd and 57th minutes, finding space behind Sunderland’s midfield pairing and ensuring City retained control after the visitors had threatened to turn the contest.
City’s attack outweighs defensive concerns
Enzo Maresca’s leaders controlled 57 per cent of possession, produced 16 attempts and registered 2.76 expected goals. Rayan Cherki created the opening goal from the number 10 role, while Gvardiol was a frequent outlet down the left before setting up Haaland’s decisive strike.
But City’s back line endured a difficult afternoon. Brobbey repeatedly found room in transition and completed a remarkable hat-trick, exposing a defensive shape that struggled when Sunderland broke forward at speed.
City’s Italian goalkeeper made two saves but conceded three times and could not bring sufficient calm to an unsettled defence. The Portuguese captain led the side for clearances but was troubled by Brobbey’s physicality and was caught out for Sunderland’s third goal.
Matheus Nunes also found it difficult to contain Sunderland’s central counter-attacks, while Marc Guehi supplied Semenyo’s first goal in the 43rd minute before being substituted shortly afterwards. Gvardiol stood out as one of City’s more assured defenders in individual duels despite the collective problems.
Changes made as Sunderland push City
City’s midfield worked hard to sustain the press, with Anderson making recoveries and keeping the tempo high. One midfielder was booked in the ninth minute, restricting his usual aggressive approach before Sunderland raised their intensity after the interval.
Ndiaye linked play effectively but was unable to produce the final pass needed to put the game beyond reach earlier. He was replaced by Jeremy Doku in the 75th minute, with the winger’s speed helping stretch a tiring Sunderland defence even if his delivery lacked precision.
Cherki was later taken off for O’Reilly, who helped City retain possession through the closing stages.
Maresca will welcome five goals, three points and another win at the summit, but Sunderland’s three strikes leave a clear issue to address. City’s next task is to tighten their transition defence without losing the attacking freedom that carried them through this eight-goal contest.
