Manchester City fought back from a three‑goal deficit to claim a dramatic 5‑3 victory over Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium. Sunderland’s Brobbey netted a hat‑trick, but City responded through Enzo Fernández’s curling free‑kick, Antoine Semenyo’s brace, Rayan Cherki’s strike and Erling Haaland’s late finish, securing an exhilarating comeback.
Gianluigi Donnarumma (5): The goalkeeper had little to do apart from claiming high balls; he was rarely tested after Sunderland’s goals.
Matheus Nunes (5): A defensive lapse saw him catch a high ball, allowing Angulo to sprint in and set up Brobbey’s opening goal.
Ruben Dias (5): Missed the first goal due to being caught flat‑footed but produced a crucial goalline clearance to deny an own goal.
Marc Guehi (5): Provided an assist but struggled with confidence throughout an uncomfortable afternoon.
Josko Gvardiol (6): Failed to close down Enzo Le Fee for Sunderland’s second goal but delivered the cross that set up Haaland’s strike.
Elliot Anderson (6): Completed the most passes on the pitch despite being booed by travelling Sunderland supporters.
Enzo Fernández (7): Opened his City account with a delightful free‑kick and was a constant presence in the final‑third, prompting the “Enzo, Enzo” chant from the crowd.
Iliman Ndiaye (6): Started in place of the suspended Phil Foden, looked lively and had an excellent chance to assist Haaland, which he missed.
Antoine Semenyo (9): Returned to form, scoring twice for his first goals of the season and linking up well with Cherki to create City’s third.
Rayan Cherki (8): Produced a near‑man‑of‑the‑match display, creating the opener with quick footwork and calmly converting City’s second goal.
Erling Haaland (6): Finally ended his hoodoo against Sunderland, netting a late finish after a missed chance earlier in the half.
Subs:
Jeremy Doku (6, on 74′, replacing Ndiaye): Returned from a calf injury and contributed positively on his first league appearance of the campaign.
Nico O’Reilly (6, on 85′, replacing Cherki): Missed an immediate chance to score moments after entering the game.
Unused substitutes: Rülli, Kovacic, Ait‑Nouri, Bouaddi, Allan, Khusanov, Lewis.


