Manchester City survived a spirited Sunderland fightback to secure an entertaining 5-3 Premier League victory at the Etihad Stadium. Antoine Semenyo scored twice, while Enzo Fernández, Rayan Cherki and Erling Haaland also found the net for City.
Brian Brobbey produced a brilliant hat-trick for Sunderland, but his individual performance was not enough to stop Manchester City from maintaining their perfect start to the league season.
The victory moved City onto 15 points from five matches and three points clear at the top of the Premier League table. However, the eight-goal thriller also raised questions about City’s defensive performance and a controversial handball decision involving Elliot Anderson.
Enzo Fernández Opens the Scoring
Manchester City started brightly and opened the scoring in the ninth minute through Enzo Fernández. The midfielder caught Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs off guard with an intelligent free-kick from a difficult angle.
It was Fernández’s first goal for City and appeared to give the league leaders early control of the contest. However, Sunderland responded only three minutes later.
Enzo Le Fée played an excellent pass through the City defence, allowing Brobbey to race into the penalty area and calmly lift the ball over Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The equaliser showed Sunderland were not at the Etihad simply to defend. They pressed aggressively, attacked with confidence and repeatedly exposed spaces behind the Manchester City back line.
Cherki Restores City’s Lead
City moved back in front in the 29th minute following pressure inside Sunderland’s defensive third. Semenyo helped move the ball to Cherki, who remained composed before drilling a low finish through a crowded penalty area.
Once again, City could not protect their advantage.
Thomas Meunier found space on the right and delivered the ball across goal for Brobbey, who converted his second goal of the afternoon in the 33rd minute. A lengthy VAR review followed, but replays confirmed that the Sunderland striker was onside.
The match continued at a remarkable pace, with both teams creating chances whenever they moved forward.
City took the lead for the third time shortly before half-time. Sunderland failed to clear the danger inside their penalty area, and Semenyo collected the loose ball before powering an unstoppable finish beyond Roefs.
The hosts entered the break with a 3-2 lead, but the match was far from settled.
Semenyo Scores Twice as City Take Control
Semenyo extended Manchester City’s advantage in the 57th minute.
Cherki’s attempted through-ball created confusion inside the Sunderland defence, allowing the Ghana international to collect possession and fire into the far corner. It was a clinical finish from Semenyo and his second goal of an impressive performance.
However, Sunderland responded almost immediately.
Just two minutes later, Brobbey converted Nilson Angulo’s header from close range to complete his hat-trick and reduce the deficit to 4-3.
Brobbey became Sunderland’s first player to score a Premier League hat-trick since Jermain Defoe in 2016. He also became only the sixth player in Premier League history to score three goals and still finish on the losing side.
The striker’s performance gave Sunderland hope of securing an unlikely point at the Etihad. Rúben Dias was forced to make an important goal-line clearance, while Dan Ballard later struck the post as the visitors continued searching for another equaliser.
Haaland Scores City’s Fifth Goal
Erling Haaland finally settled the contest in the 81st minute.
Joško Gvardiol delivered a low cross towards the far post, where Haaland arrived to guide the ball into the net. The assistant referee initially raised the offside flag, but a VAR review confirmed that Gvardiol had remained onside during the build-up.
The decision gave City a 5-3 lead and ended Sunderland’s hopes of completing a dramatic comeback.
Haaland’s goal also meant that the Norwegian striker has now scored against all 25 Premier League clubs he has faced.
Elliot Anderson Handball Sparks Controversy
Despite City’s attacking quality, the match was overshadowed by a controversial handball decision involving Elliot Anderson.
With Manchester City leading 3-2, the ball appeared to strike Anderson’s hand inside the penalty area while he was involved in a challenge with Le Fée. Sunderland’s players immediately appealed for a penalty, but referee Robert Jones allowed play to continue.
VAR reviewed the incident and decided not to overturn the referee’s original decision.
The situation became even more controversial when Semenyo scored Manchester City’s fourth goal shortly afterwards. Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris questioned how the incident had not been judged as handball, while former Premier League referee Mark Halsey argued that the visitors should have received a penalty.
A successful penalty could have changed the direction of the match, particularly because Sunderland were only one goal behind at the time.
However, City supporters may argue that the referee and VAR followed the current interpretation of the handball law by considering Anderson’s arm position and the accidental nature of the contact.
The incident is likely to remain one of the biggest talking points from an unforgettable Premier League contest.
Manchester City Maintain Their Perfect Start
Manchester City’s fifth consecutive league victory strengthens their position as early Premier League title favourites.
Enzo Maresca’s team possesses outstanding attacking options. Cherki provided creativity between the lines, Semenyo was direct and decisive, Fernández controlled important areas of midfield, and Haaland once again delivered when his team needed him.
However, conceding three goals at home will concern Maresca. Sunderland repeatedly created opportunities and recorded more expected goals than City, generating 4.32 xG compared with the hosts’ 2.72.
City will need to improve their defensive organisation when they face stronger title rivals later in the season.
Sunderland may have left Manchester without a point, but their performance offered several positives. Brobbey demonstrated his finishing ability, Le Fée created problems in midfield and the entire team refused to surrender against the league leaders.
Bet on Premier League Football with Bangbet
Manchester City’s dramatic 5-3 win over Sunderland demonstrated why the Premier League remains one of the most entertaining and unpredictable football competitions in the world.
Football fans can follow upcoming EPL fixtures and explore different pre-match and live betting markets on Bangbet. Available selections may include match winners, total goals, both teams to score and goalscorer markets.
Before placing an EPL bet, examine each team’s recent form, injury news, home and away records, defensive statistics and confirmed starting line-ups. Always compare the available markets and choose selections based on research rather than emotion.
Visit Bangbet to check the latest Premier League matches and betting odds.
Bet responsibly. Sports betting involves financial risk and does not guarantee a return. Only bet if you are 18 or older, set a clear budget and never use money required for essential expenses.
Bangbet More Than Win!
