Manchester City clinched a professional victory at the Stadium of Light with a 2-0 win over Sunderland. Pep Guardiola's men came high on confidence into this game after scoring 12 goals in their last three matches, while the same could not be said about Sunderland who lost both their previous league games.
Sergio Aguero and Leroy Sane scored on either side of the half as City enjoyed a healthy possession throughout the course of the game. This win takes City within one point of second-placed Tottenham Hotspur with a game in hand, whereas the Black Cats are firmly rooted at the bottom of the table.
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Let's take a look at the five talking points from Manchester City's convincing win over Sunderland:
#1 Yaya Toure firing for City on all cylinders
After the duo's faltering relationship at FC Barcelona, Pep Guardiola and Yaya Toure were destined to have a troubled time when they were reunited at the Etihad. And it started just like that as the veteran was neglected in the starting months, and the situation was aggravated by Toure's agent's unnecessary comments.
When his chance finally came, Toure grabbed his chance with both hands and excelled in a deeper role than he was used to during his time at the club.
The first goal against Sunderland came after a sturdy tackle from the 33-year-old which stopped Sunderland from making their inspired move. Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling finished off the work which was initiated by Toure. Against the Black Cats, it was a composed performance by Toure as he ran the show from midfield and seemed involved in the proceedings from the first minute.
#2 Sunderland's luck may have finally run out
Prior to the appointment of David Moyes as Sunderland manager, the last four managers at the Stadium of Light took it to the wire to secure survival for Sunderland in the first division. But this season might be the one where the luck seems to have finally run out for the Black Cats after surviving far too many close encounters with relegation.
Against City, Sunderland made a dream start as their energy levels were high, created chances and the team looked like they were playing like their lives mattered on it. Until Aguero's goal, Sunderland were in the driving seat but as soon as City struck first with a brilliant team goal, the tempo dropped and they were back to their mediocre self.
Moyes’ team’s recent performances have been good but a poor start to the season with just two points from the first 10 league games has made this task an incredibly difficult one.
#3 Manchester City slowly stamping their authority on the league table
The Citizens’ mid-season dip caused many pundits to write them off and also questioned the tactics of Guardiola, but the results since the turn of the calendar year have been nothing short of stunning. They have lost just one game since their New Year's Eve loss to Liverpool and have scored 22 goals in their last 8 games.
Sergio Aguero scored his 23rd goal of the season while Leroy Sane continued his dream run in their win over Sunderland. City may not catch Chelsea at the summit but can still make life difficult for them and leapfrog Tottenham Hotspur for 2nd place in the table.
City have scored 12 goals in their last three games and are all still in the FA Cup and the Champions League.
#4 Sunderland's survival rests on Jermain Defoe's shoulders
The veteran striker was the crucial player in Sunderland's previous season's great escape and is the most important player for the club in this season as well. Though he has been in the goals, his side have been poor this season.
David Moyes recently said that his team needs five victories to guarantee Premier League status for next season and that can be achieved only if the English striker keeps scoring.
Out of Sunderland's 24 league goals, Defoe has scored a massive 14 goals with the striker coming inches closer to add to his tally when his shot hit the post in the first half against Manchester City. He hadn't touched the ball in the first 16 minutes of the game but sprung into action as soon as a half chance arrived for him.
#5 Manchester City win comfortably in a tricky fixture
When Sunderland looked threatening at the start of the game, City displayed patience and experience of the highest order. When the hosts had a number of men behind the ball, City interchanged passes quickly and caused havoc at the back for Sunderland.
They took their chances well and earned all three points in a tricky away tie against the Black Cats.
In the last five league fixtures between these two teams at the Stadium of Light, City have lost twice at this stadium, under Roberto Mancini and Manuel Pellegrini.
