Manchester City’s 16 shots produce a 5-3 win over Sunderland

Manchester City 5-3 Sunderland

Manchester City defeated Sunderland 5-3 at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, September 20, 2026, in a Premier League match that produced five goals before half-time and three more after the break. City led 3-2 at the interval and secured a fourth consecutive league victory, while Sunderland’s record moved to one win, one draw and three losses after five matches.

Eight goals and repeated responses

Enzo Fernández opened the scoring in the ninth minute, but Sunderland responded three minutes later through Brian Brobbey, assisted by Enzo Le Fée. Rayan Cherki restored City’s advantage in the 29th minute after a pass from Antoine Semenyo, only for Brobbey to equalise again at 33 minutes with Thomas Meunier providing the assist.

City reached half-time ahead when Semenyo scored in the 43rd minute, with Marc Guehi credited with the assist. Semenyo struck again in the 57th minute to make it 4-2, but Sunderland continued to answer. Brobbey completed his hat-trick two minutes later after Nilson Angulo’s assist. The decisive goal came in the 81st minute, when Erling Haaland finished from Josko Gvardiol’s pass.

Sunderland created more shots

The scoreline did not reflect a one-sided contest in terms of attempts. Sunderland recorded 17 shots to City’s 16 and had nine shots on goal, compared with six for the hosts. Sunderland also had 14 shots inside the box, two more than City. City’s one-goal margin at half-time and two-goal final margin therefore came despite Sunderland producing the greater volume of shooting.

City held 55% possession and completed 402 accurate passes from 468 attempts, compared with Sunderland’s 309 accurate passes from 378. The hosts also won the corner count 6-5. Sunderland’s goalkeeper made four saves, while City’s goalkeeper made one, highlighting the visitors’ ability to test the home defence even in defeat.

Brobbey leads the individual numbers

Brobbey was the highest-rated player, receiving 9.7 after 90 minutes. His three goals and four shots on target made him Sunderland’s most productive attacker, although his treble was not enough to earn a point. Semenyo was City’s standout performer, rated 9.1 after two goals, one assist, three key passes and two tackles.

Discipline and league position

Dayann Methalie received the only yellow card, in the eighth minute. There were no red cards, and both teams committed 14 fouls. City started the round top of the Premier League with 12 points from four matches; this win takes them to 15 points and extends their perfect start. Sunderland began 14th with four points from four games, and the defeat leaves their league total unchanged while adding another loss to their form sequence.