Manchester City secured a thrilling 5-3 victory over Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium on September 20, 2026, to preserve their 100% record in the Premier League. The win marked City's fifth consecutive victory, with the team scoring 13 goals in as many matches. Enzo Fernandez opened the scoring with a cleverly taken free-kick in the ninth minute, which proved to be his first goal since joining City from Chelsea for £125 million.
Sunderland responded quickly to level the score, with Brian Brobbey converting Enzo Le Fée's pass in the 12th minute. However, City restored their advantage 17 minutes later when Rayan Cherki scored with a composed finish. The visitors refused to give up and Brobbey equalized again in the 33rd minute, finishing Thomas Meunier's square pass to make it 2-2.
City regained the lead two minutes before halftime when Antoine Semenyo fired home after Sunderland failed to deal with a cross from the right. The goal proved to be a turning point, as City began to dominate the match. Semenyo doubled his tally 12 minutes into the second half, drilling a left-footed effort into the far corner to put City 4-2 ahead.
Sunderland continued to fight, with Brobbey completing his hat-trick in the 59th minute after Nilson Angulo's cross found him inside the area. The Dutch striker became the first Sunderland player to score a Premier League hat-trick since Jermain Defoe in 2016. City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma made a costly error that nearly allowed Sunderland to level after a high ball into the box.
Despite the pressure, City eventually settled the contest nine minutes from time when Erling Haaland slid in at the back post to convert Josko Gvardiol's cross. The goal, which initially faced an offside check, was allowed to stand after a VAR review. Haaland's goal ensured City's victory and maintained their perfect record in the league.
The win moved City three points clear at the top of the Premier League, with 15 points from five matches. Haaland also achieved a notable feat, scoring against every Premier League side he has faced. Sunderland, on the other hand, left the Etihad without a point despite Brobbey's impressive three-goal performance.
As the teams head into the international break, City will look to maintain their momentum when the league resumes. The victory marked a significant milestone for Enzo Maresca's side, who have demonstrated their ability to withstand pressure and secure crucial wins. For Sunderland, the defeat serves as a reminder of the challenges ahead in the Premier League.
Key points
- Manchester City maintained their 100% record in the Premier League with a 5-3 win over Sunderland.
- Brian Brobbey scored a hat-trick for Sunderland, becoming the first player to achieve the feat since Jermain Defoe in 2016.
- Erling Haaland scored against every Premier League side he has faced, netting his goal in City's 5-3 win over Sunderland.
