Manchester City Overcome Sunderland’s Hat‑trick Threat, Antoine Semenyo Earns Player of the Match

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.

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