Manchester City missed a chance to move within two points of leaders Arsenal as Sunderland held out a goalless draw to maintain their unbeaten record at the Stadium of Light.
City needed a win to keep pace with Arsenal’s 4-1 win over Aston Villa on Tuesday, but Regis Le Bris’ side persevered under late pressure in an engrossing game that featured important saves from both goalkeepers.
Robin Rufus stopped one of Erling Haaland’s only two shots in the first half and made an equally impressive stop to deny Savinho, before being replaced by Josko Gvardiol after the interval.
Gvardiol looked to be City’s top scorer, smashing an acrobatic shot wide of the post and heroically blocking a shot from close range as the clock ticked down.
Sunderland defended superbly, led by centre-backs Omar Alderete and Nordi Mukiele, who restrained Haaland, with Gianluigi Donnarumma denying chances himself with superb stops from Brian Brobby, Simon Adingra and Eliezer Mayenda.
Sunderland’s other chance saw Try Hume head in wasted from Granit Xhaka’s excellent cross.
City dominated for long periods of the second period, with Guardiola bringing on returning players Rodri and Jeremy Doku as well as Gvardior, but Sunderland remained resolute as their fans cheered them on.
City’s pressure continued into stoppage time, but on the last chance another substitute, Tijani Leiders, fired straight at Roofs, leaving Haaland furious that he had not passed, ending their eight-game winning streak.
Nordi Mukiele tangles with Erling Haaland
The result puts Arsenal in a good position in the title race, with a four-point lead over City at the top of the Premier League, while Sunderland defy pre-season expectations and finish seventh, extending their unbeaten home run run to 10 games.
Look: Great Opportunity
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Haaland misses Man City’s biggest chance of the first half
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Sabinho was denied by Rufus just after half-time
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Donnarumma made a great stop to keep Mayenda at bay
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Gvardior’s flick hits the post
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Rufus made a great reflex save from Gubardiol.
Guardiola: “We produced enough to win”
Manchester City manager Josep Guardiola told Sky Sports: “Let’s get a point. The second half was great. We missed chances. We couldn’t score inside the six-yard box.”
“We weren’t able to break the line we talked about in the first half or maintain the composure to break the line, but overall it was a really good game.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Pep Guardiola reflects on tough draw against Sunderland
“We were better in the second half. The players did everything. They are a little behind, but we have to keep our heads up because we have a difficult game against Chelsea in three days.”
“We created enough chances and played well in the second half. The commitment, the desire, it was different from the first half.
“We created enough chances in the second half from Savinho, Jeremy, Josko, Phil (Foden) and Erling to get two chances. We had a lot of them, but unfortunately we couldn’t do them.”
‘Sunderland are growing’
Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris said: “It was a good game against a really strong opponent, one of the best in Europe.
“It’s important to defend properly. We showed that we can defend in high positions. When they came a little higher in quality, we had to manage the ball in the final third. They created a lot of chances, but they had good character. Even when we were on the cliff, we had one foot, one head, something to protect the ball.”
“It was important to escape from their counter-press. A few weeks ago at the Etihad they were great, but it was impossible to escape from their counter-press. Today it worked. We are growing and learning from different experiences.”
“It’s a matter of experience. The standards of our team are high. They want to get better. If they stayed at the same level, it would be over because the league is moving too fast. They are still ambitious.”
Analysis: Rodri’s return could be important
Manchester City’s players may have been left “with their heads down”, in Guardiola’s words, but their night was not without positives. Rodri’s return from injury is a big boost. Especially considering the quality of his performance.
The 29-year-old looked every bit like his old self as he replaced Nico Gonzalez at half-time, making his second appearance since November and October. Manchester City were transformed by his arrival, but he only missed the mark.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Micah Richards and Daniel Sturridge debate whether Arsenal or Manchester City will go on to win the Premier League title
An immediate reminder of his quality came when he threaded a sharp pass to Phil Foden, leading to the first of two successive chances for Savignho. “Rodri gave us the second pass to break the line,” Guardiola said.
He finished the game with 58 completed passes, nearly 40 percent more than Nico Gonzalez, who replaced him in the same amount of playing time. Rodri kept City moving forward. There were accurate changes of play, chances were created and second balls were won.
His efforts were not rewarded with three points. Arsenal were the only winners on the night. However, his return could continue to be important, along with the return of a rejuvenated Jeremy Doch.
Harland Disabled – Opta Statistics
Man City’s Erling Haaland has failed to score in both games against Sunderland this season. Manchester City’s 2.25xG Manchester City’s 2.25xG was the highest in a goalless Premier League game since March 2022. (2.92 vs Crystal Palace).
