New signing, Enzo Fernandez, scored his first goal for the Blues to inspire Manchester City to a 5-3 triumph over stubborn Sunderland on Sunday 20 September, 2026 in the Premier League battle at Etihad Stadium.
The Black Cats really pushed the Cityzens all through the showdown, however, it was Enzo Maresca’s side that emerged winner in the game that produced eight (8) goals.
Fernandez, who moved to the city of Manchester from Chelsea Football Club in a £125m transfer, opened the scoring for City early, in the 9th minute. The Argentine midfielder whipped in a free-kick at the near post to net his first for his new club.
But, the visitors quickly levelled three (3) minutes after following their excellent start in the game; Enzo Le Fee’s amazing pass located Brian Brobbey and the Netherlands forward put the ball past goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Sunderland were well-prepared for Maresca’s Cityzens, but, it was the home side that went in front again with the second through Rayan Cherki after Antoine Semenyo had provided. The French attacking midfielder placed the ball into the bottom corner.
The Black Cats found their way and restored parity, once again, through Brobbey with Thomas Meunier’s assist. The striker netted into an empty net. The goal went through a lengthy VAR check, but, it was eventually allowed.
A brace from Manchester City through Semenyo on both sides of the contest, in the 43rd minute and 57th minute, showed how more determined the Blues were for maximum points.
Just two (2) minutes after Semenyo’s second, Sunderland scored their third when Nilson Angulo provided for Brobbey who completed his hat-trick to make it 4-3. The Dutchman had no option than to bundle the ball home, but, his effort was not enough to inspire a leveller.
And, the hosts finally carted all three (3) points and placed the contest to bed nine (9) minutes from full time when Josko Gvardiol’s cross was converted by Norwegian striker, Erling Haaland.
Haaland’s goal means the Norway international has now scored against every Premier League side he has collided with.
Next for Manchester City and Sunderland?
With the international break commencing on Monday, Manchester City, with 100% start to the new season, and Sunderland will face Liverpool and Brighton in the Premier League games at Anfield and Stadium of Light respectively.
The Cityzens will kick off their game at 16:30 (WAT) on Sunday 11 October, 2026, while, the Black Cats will start at 15:00 (WAT) on Saturday 10 October, 2026.
The outcome on Sunday means, Manchester City have now amassed fifteen (15) points, trailed by Arsenal with twelve (12) points, while, Sunderland are 14th with four (4) points, all after five (5) games.
Currently, all is going well for Maresca’s City after winning five (5) in five (5) League matches, coupled with wins in Europe and the EFL Cup.
