Manchester City's Premier League title chase suffered a setback as they were held to a 0-0 draw by a spirited Sunderland side at the Stadium of Light. The draw leaves City four points behind leaders Arsenal.
The home crowd at the Stadium of Light bolstered their team from the first minute, cheering loudly at every tackle. City thought they had an early lead when Bernardo Silva found the net in the sixth minute, but the goal was disallowed for offside after a VAR review. Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey challenged Ruben Dias in the 19th minute, but his shot was saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma.
City came into the game on the back of eight straight wins in all competitions. Sunderland's defense kept Erling Haaland quiet in the first half, limiting him to one shot. The visitors started the second half strongly, with Savinho missing two chances to give his team the lead. Substitute Josko Gvardiol also joined the attack, causing problems in the opposition's penalty area. Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs made a string of saves to keep City out.
Sunderland's level of intensity saw them win the majority of one-on-ones in the first half. Trai Hume also flashed a header just wide. Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki struggled to get into the game, while Simon Adingra and Eliezer Mayenda caused problems for City's defense. Haaland came closest to scoring in the first half, but his shot was saved by Roefs.
The second half continued in an end-to-end pattern. Savinho missed a close-range shot shortly after half-time and had another effort saved by Roefs. Donnarumma denied Adingra and then made a one-handed save from Mayenda. Gvardiol hit the post late in the game.
The result leaves Arsenal in a strong position in the title race, four points clear of City. Sunderland, meanwhile, continue to defy pre-season expectations and maintain their unbeaten home record.
Pep Guardiola admitted that Manchester City paid the price for their sloppy finishing. He said that his team had enough chances but could not convert them. Guardiola also praised Sunderland's physicality and strength.
Arsenal are currently at the top of the Premier League table. Manchester City are in second place, four points behind Arsenal. Sunderland are in seventh place.
