Manchester City were held to a goalless draw by Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, falling four points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal in the title race. Pep Guardiola’s side dominated possession with 67.6% and had 14 shots, but found themselves thwarted by an incredible defensive display from the hosts. City had an early Bernardo Silva goal ruled out for offside, while Erling Haaland struck straight at Robin Roefs from 12 yards with their best first-half chance. Josko Gvardiol came closest to breaking the deadlock when his flicked effort clipped the post in the second half. Midfielder Rodri made his return to action after three months out with a hamstring injury, replacing Nico Gonzalez at half-time, but City’s frustration was compounded by injuries to Gonzalez and Savinho, with Nathan Ake also suffering a scare.
Sunderland produced a magnificent rearguard performance to maintain their unbeaten home record this season, with French defender Nordi Mukiele earning widespread praise for shackling Haaland throughout the contest. The hosts, missing five players on Africa Cup of Nations duty, showed remarkable resilience under Regis le Bris and even threatened to snatch all three points through Brian Brobbey and Eliezer Mayenda, both denied by Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Arsenal, Aston Villa, Newcastle and now City have all failed to win at the Stadium of Light this season, underlining Sunderland’s credentials as they sit seventh in the table, just one point behind Manchester United and Chelsea. “Who are ya?” chanted the jubilant home supporters at full-time, celebrating another impressive result that showcased why their side have become such a formidable force on home soil.