Phil Smith: Sunderland show promise in 5-3 Man City defeat | OneFootball

Sunderland were beaten 5-3 by Manchester City at the Etihad, an eight-goal contest that still offered reasons for optimism amid back-to-back Premier League defeats.

City’s first two goals stemmed from Sunderland errors. A counter from a badly executed corner led to Enzo’s free-kick, then Kevin Danso’s loose pass from his box was punished. Forced to chase, Sunderland left space and City’s ruthless finishing told.

Sunderland’s attacking play was excellent, with an expected goals figure around 4.5. According to Sunderland Echo, Enzo Le Fée and Brian Brobbey matched their vaunted counterparts for long spells. City still turned small openings into major chances.

Twelve months ago they were outplayed here, the away end even cheering when Régis Le Bris withdrew Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki to avoid suspensions before the Newcastle United derby. This time they went toe-to-toe and often had control. A small gap to the bottom three means some nerves during a long break.

Context softens an underwhelming points return. Replacing Burnley away with Ipswich away, the same five fixtures yielded only one point last season. Home form underpinned last year, yet only two league games have been at the Stadium of Light, one against the champions.

Brobbey started with a four-game league drought after an early miss at Ipswich, but a strong display against Arsenal hinted at lift-off. Here he struck three times with sharp movement and overpowered Ruben Dias in open play. There is a belief he is on the brink of another level.

Perhaps it was inevitable that Erling Haaland would score. Post-match he shared a light moment with the away end, urging on a chant suggesting Brian Brobbey was better, before mutual applause. It was a fitting close to a breathless afternoon.

Source: Sunderland Echo

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