EPL: Man City Beat Sunderland 5-3 to Seize Top Spot

Manchester City moved three points clear at the top of the Premier League after defeating Sunderland 5-3 in an eight-goal thriller at the Etihad Stadium.

The victory maintained City’s perfect start to the campaign, with Enzo Maresca’s side winning all five matches and taking 15 points from 15.

Enzo Fernandez opened the scoring in the ninth minute with a free-kick that caught Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs off guard.

Sunderland responded three minutes later through Brian Brobbey, who lifted the ball over Gianluigi Donnarumma to level the contest.

Rayan Cherki restored City’s advantage in the 29th minute, firing through a crowded penalty area after Sunderland failed to clear their lines.

Brobbey struck again four minutes later, sweeping home Thomas Meunier’s cross to make it 2-2 and complete a quick response from the visitors.

Antoine Semenyo then put City back in front shortly before half-time, producing a powerful finish to give the hosts a 3-2 lead at the break.

Semenyo added his second goal 12 minutes into the second half, capitalising on Sunderland’s defensive uncertainty to extend City’s advantage.

Brobbey completed his hat-trick two minutes later, turning in a header from Nilson Angulo to reduce the deficit to one goal and keep Sunderland within touching distance.

City secured the points in the 81st minute when Erling Haaland converted Josko Gvardiol’s cross. The goal initially faced an offside check before VAR confirmed the Norwegian had remained onside.

Sunderland continued to threaten late in the match, with Daniel Ballard striking the post, while City goalkeeper Donnarumma was forced into several saves as the visitors searched for another opening.

Despite the victory, City’s defensive performance raised concerns after Sunderland registered 17 shots, including nine on target.

Maresca acknowledged afterwards that his team needed to improve defensively, although he praised their attacking quality and ability to score five goals.

The victory means City enter the international break as the league’s only team with a 100 per cent record. Arsenal are three points behind in second place after their 3-0 defeat to Brighton on Saturday.

City will return to Premier League action against Liverpool after the international break, with Maresca’s side looking to maintain their advantage.