Manchester City maintained their perfect start to the Premier League season after defeating Sunderland 5–3 in an entertaining encounter at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, September 20, 2026.
The eight-goal thriller saw City extend their winning run to five league matches, keeping them three points clear at the top of the table before the international break. However, Sunderland’s attacking performance ensured the hosts had to work hard for the victory.
City Strike First
Manchester City opened the scoring in the ninth minute through Enzo Fernández, who registered his first goal for the club following his high-profile transfer from Chelsea.
Sunderland responded quickly, with Brian Brobbey equalising just three minutes later. The visitors continued to threaten City’s defence, creating an open and fast-paced contest.
Rayan Cherki restored City’s lead in the 29th minute, but Brobbey struck again in the 33rd minute to make it 2–2.
Antoine Semenyo then scored shortly before halftime, sending Manchester City into the break with a narrow 3–2 advantage.
Semenyo and Haaland Secure Victory
City increased their advantage in the second half when Semenyo scored his second goal of the match in the 57th minute.
Despite falling two goals behind, Sunderland refused to surrender. Brobbey completed his hat-trick in the 59th minute, reducing the deficit to 4–3 and keeping the visitors within reach of an equalizer.
The Dutch striker’s performance was particularly notable, as he became the first Sunderland player to score a Premier League hat-trick since 2016, according to reports.
Manchester City eventually settled the contest in the 81st minute when Erling Haaland found the net. His goal gave the hosts a two-goal cushion and ended Sunderland’s hopes of securing a point.
Manchester City Remain Unbeaten
The victory extended Manchester City’s winning start to five Premier League matches under manager Enzo Maresca.
City had already defeated Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, Coventry City and Manchester United in their opening four league fixtures. Their latest win keeps them at the top of the table as the league pauses for the international break.
Although City’s attacking players delivered another strong performance, conceding three goals will raise questions about their defensive organisation.
Sunderland’s ability to score three times at the Etihad demonstrated their attacking threat, even though they ultimately left Manchester without any points.
Sunderland Show Fighting Spirit
Brian Brobbey’s hat-trick was the main highlight for Sunderland. His three goals repeatedly brought the visitors back into the match and tested Manchester City’s ability to protect their lead.
However, Sunderland could not contain City’s attacking quality, with Semenyo and Haaland making the difference in the second half.
Manchester City will now look to maintain their strong form after the international break, while Sunderland will aim to recover from the defeat in their next Premier League fixture.