Manchester City Survive Sunderland Thriller To Stay Perfect

Manchester City maintained their perfect start to the 2026/27 Premier League season with a thrilling 5–3 victory over Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium, moving three points clear at the top of the table heading into the international break. City took the lead through Enzo Fernández after nine minutes, but Sunderland responded almost immediately through Brian Brobbey. Rayan Cherki restored City's advantage before Brobbey struck again to make it 2–2. Just before half-time, Antoine Semenyo put City back in front. Semenyo added his second shortly after the break to give City a 4–2 advantage, but Sunderland remained dangerous. Brobbey completed his hat-trick in the 59th minute, reducing the deficit to one goal and setting up a tense final half-hour. With nine minutes remaining, Erling Haaland finally found the net, sliding home Joško Gvardiol's cross to make it 5–3. The goal was initially flagged for offside but was subsequently allowed to stand following a VAR review. The result means City are the only Premier League side with a perfect record after five matches. New manager Enzo Maresca has now won his opening five league games in charge, while City have also won seven consecutive matches in all competitions. For Haaland, the goal was also significant as he had now scored against all 25 Premier League opponents he has faced. He has seven goals in seven appearances this season. Despite the victory, City's defensive performance remains an area for improvement. Sunderland's three goals and Brobbey's hat-trick exposed vulnerabilities that Maresca will have time to address during the international break. City return to Premier League action against Liverpool on October 11, with Paris Saint-Germain visiting the Etihad three days later in the Champions League.