Rúben Dias hits stunner as Man City close gap on Arsenal [video] | OneFootball

Dias' screamer set the tone for City's win

Manchester City 3-0 Sunderland

Portugal defender Rúben Dias scored a spectacular goal from distance to set Manchester City on their way to a convincing win over Sunderland, closing the gap on Arsenal at the top of the Premier League.

Dias scored his second of the season after half an hour at the Etihad Stadium, receiving the ball some thirty yards from goal and letting fly with a thunderous effort which flew into the top corner. City added further goals through Josko Gvardiol and Phil Foden, but after the match manager Pep Guardiola admitted the Seleção man’s was the most important.

Asked to comment on Ryan Cherki’s brilliant rabona assist for Foden’s clincher, Guardiola replied: “It was special, but [most especially] was Ruben. The Ruben one was the most important one. The first one is always the most important one, it was really, really good.”

Matheus Nunes continued at right-back, where he is impressing in a new role, while Bernardo Silva played in a midfield three and stayed on for 82 minutes before being replaced. Of the players who played more than a few minutes, the Portuguese trio recorded the highest pass completion, with Nunes leading the way (97%) followed by Bernardo (93%) and Dias on 92% fulfilled passes.

The victory was particularly significant after league leaders Arsenal were beaten 2-1 by Aston Villa earlier in the day, meaning City are now just two points off the Gunners in the English top flight.