Manchester City survived a thrilling test against Sunderland in a remarkable eight-goal Premier League contest, with the hosts eventually securing a 5-3 victory. The visitors showed plenty of character and scored three times through Brian Brobbey, but their attacking efforts were not enough to earn a point.

Fernandes, Rayan Cherki and a brace from Antoine Semenyo put Manchester City 4-3 ahead midway through the second half. The game remained in the balance until the closing stages, when Erling Haaland delivered the final blow to end Sunderland's hopes of a comeback.

The victory also proved significant in the Premier League title race. Three points lifted Manchester City above Arsenal in the table, with Enzo Maresca's side moving into first place.

2026-27, England - Premier League

Manchester City - Sunderland 5:3 (3:2)
Goals: Fernandez E., 9 (1:0); Brobbey, 12 (1:1); Cherki, 29 (2:1); Brobbey, 33 (2:2); Semenyo, 43 (3:2); Semenyo, 57 (4:2); Brobbey, 59 (4:3); Håland E., 81 (5:3)

Manchester City: Donnarumma G.; Dias R.; Guehi; Gvardiol; Anderson E.; Fernandez E.; Matheus Nunes; Ndiaye Il. (Doku J., 75); Cherki (O'Reilly, 85); Håland E.; Semenyo
Substitution: Doku J. (from 75); O'Reilly (from 85)
Bench: Rulli; Aït-Nouri; Khusanov; Lewis R.; Kovacic M.; Bouaddi; Allan

Sunderland: Roefs; Ballard; Methalie; Meunier (Hume, 79); Mukiele; Danso; Sadiki (Isidor, 68); Le Fée; Xhaka; Angulo (Fofana M., 60); Brobbey
Substitution: Fofana M. (from 60); Isidor (from 68); Hume (from 79)
Bench: Ellborg; Alderete; O'Nien; Ahoka; Talbi; Rigg
Yellow Cards: Methalie 9