Despite an unsettled defensive display, Manchester City overcame Sunderland | OneFootball

Manchester City beat Sunderland 5-3 on Sunday at the Etihad Stadium to make it five wins from five to begin their 2026-27 Premier League campaign. Enzo Maresca’s side has won seven consecutive matches in all competitions and there is a sense of positivity that surrounds this City side. However, City didn’t have it all their own way at the Etihad Stadium against Régis Le Bris’s side as they overcame an unsettled defensive display to outgun Sunderland.

The entire Manchester City defence had a bad day against Sunderland.

Sunday’s match between Manchester City and Sunderland was an instant classic and a game that typifies what the Premier League is about. Eight goals were scored and Sunderland gave as good as they got at the Etihad. Régis Le Bris set his side up to have a go at City and on another day they’d have come away with a lot more than a 5-3 defeat. Looking at the game from a City point of view, all of City’s back four, and a goalkeeper, had an off day. Also Manchester City’s midfield was too easily played over or through by Sunderland.

Ruben Dias had a dog of a day up against Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey. Brobbey scored a hat trick and he physically had his way with the Manchester City captain. Also, Brobbey’s ability to hold up a long ball and turn Dias consistently kept the City defence unsettled. However, not every defensive issue that City had was Ruben Dias’ fault. Enzo Maresca’s side had a poor day at the back against Sunderland.

Matheus Nunes and Josko Gvardiol weren’t at their best defensively against Sunderland. Nunes positioning at right-back was off and he wasn’t at his best in possession. Josko Gvardiol hasn’t been strong defensively at left-back but he is a weapon when Manchester City attack. Gvardiol’s positioning across Manchester City’s seven games this season has caused his team issues at times. Sunday was another one of these displays. Josko Gvardiol is learning a new role so his defensive form hasn’t been solid as of yet.

Gianluigi Donnarumma put in a nervous display against Sunderland. On two occasions in the second half he came for a long throw-in and a cross and got nowhere near it. The way Donnarumma performed looked to be a by-product of an unsettled display from the entire City defence. However, Manchester City’s firepower up front saw them beat Sunderland 5-3. The way that City’s defence played, plus Sunderland’s overall display, contributed to a Premier League classic at the Etihad.

Despite the unsettled defensive display, Enzo Maresca’s side found a way to win.

Speaking after his team saw off Sunderland, Enzo Maresca revealed that he prefers his team to win 1-0 rather than 5-3. Also, Maresca knew the test that Sunderland would pose and he was happy to see his team come away with another victory. Enzo Maresca explained after a pulsating match between Manchester City and Sunderland, Maresca said: “To be honest, I prefer to win 1-0 than 5-3 but I expected a very difficult game.”

“I know how good they are. Off the ball, they are very aggressive, on the ball they have different weapons. For example, Brobbey.”

“It was very difficult, but we found a way to win the game. The good thing also is that these seven official games have all been different. We experience different things.”

“The last one with 10 players, today it was a complicated one. We have a chance to learn from the game.“

Manchester City had to fight to beat Sunderland 5-3 at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. In terms of a defensive display, it is doubtful that City will put in a poorer defensive display. Outside of Marc Guehi, all of Manchester City’s defenders were far from their best. Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey had his way with Ruben Dias, and Sunderland’s overall performance contributed to this. However, City picked up all three points and also took some lessons away from a difficult match. The lessons from Sunday’s game may come in handy when domestic football returns in a couple of weeks’ time.