Manchester City edges Sunderland 5-3 in chaotic eight-goal thriller

Manchester City beat Sunderland 5-3 at the Etihad Stadium on September 20 in a match that looked more like a basketball game than a Premier League fixture. Eight goals, multiple lead changes, a hat-trick from a visiting striker, and a VAR-reviewed winner to seal it.

The result sends City into the extended international break sitting three points clear at the top of the table with a perfect 15 points from five matches. Sunderland, back in the top flight after their promotion, sit 14th.

A game that refused to calm down

City drew first blood through Enzo Fernandez in the 9th minute. Sunderland equalized through Brian Brobbey just three minutes later. Rayan Cherki restored City’s lead in the 29th minute, but Brobbey struck again in the 33rd to make it 2-2. Antoine Semenyo then put City ahead 3-2 in the 43rd minute.

Semenyo grabbed his second in the 57th minute, putting City 4-2 ahead. Brobbey completed his hat-trick two minutes later, pulling it back to 4-3. Erling Haaland applied the kill shot in the 81st minute, making it 5-3 after a goal that survived a VAR review. The Norwegian’s finish meant he has now scored against all 25 Premier League opponents he has faced in his career.

Maresca joins an exclusive club

Enzo Maresca became just the sixth manager in Premier League history to win his first five matches in charge of a club.

Brobbey’s historic hat-trick

Brian Brobbey’s three goals made him the first visiting player to score a hat-trick at the Etihad since Jamie Vardy accomplished the feat in 2020.

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