On a blustery December 6, 2025, at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City and Sunderland played out a frustrating 0-0 draw in the Premier League. As the first half ticked into its opening minutes, the scoreline reflected a cagey affair, with both sides probing but failing to break the deadlock. For City, chasing the title, this point feels like two dropped; for Sunderland, it’s a resilient road result.
Pep Guardiola’s City entered as overwhelming favorites, unbeaten in 15 home games and boasting Erling Haaland’s 20-goal tally. Rodri’s midfield mastery promised control. Sunderland, under new manager Michael Beale, arrived with a defensive mindset, aiming to frustrate like their 2012 upset. Key absences: City’s De Bruyne (injured), Sunderland’s Clarke (suspended).
Odds: City at 1.20, draw 6.50 – but football’s unpredictable.
City dominated possession (65%), with Haaland’s header cleared off the line in the 8th minute. Foden’s curling shot forced Anthony Patterson into a diving save. Sunderland countered sporadically, Jobe Bellingham’s run earning a corner in the 20th. The rain-slicked pitch aided the visitors’ low block, frustrating Guardiola’s tiki-taka.
Half-time stats: City 7 shots (2 on target), Sunderland 2 (0). Tension mounted.
Post-interval, City ramped up. In the 55th, Grealish’s cross found Haaland, but Patterson’s reflex deny denied the Norwegian. Sunderland’s Pierre Ekwah nearly shocked with a 70th-minute volley. Sub Savinho added pace for City, but Dan Neil’s tackle snuffed out threats.
Late drama: City’s free-kick routine hit the wall; Sunderland’s break fizzled. Full-time whistle brought groans from home fans.
- Ederson (City, 8/10): Rarely tested but assured distribution.
- Anthony Patterson (Sunderland, 9/10): Man of the Match, three vital saves.
- xG: City 1.8, Sunderland 0.4.
This draw exposes City’s over-reliance on Haaland, while Sunderland’s organization earns plaudits.
City slip to second, four points behind leaders Liverpool. Sunderland climb to 14th, safe from relegation talk. Next: City host Villa, Sunderland face Newcastle.
A classic Premier League grind – proof that points are precious.
