It’s been a good day for Man City. After league leaders Arsenal lost 2-1 to Aston Villa in the early kick-off on Saturday (December 6), they managed to comfortably beat high-flying Sunderland 3-0 at Etihad, closing the gap to just two points.
Ruben Dias was playing a more attacking role than usual and found himself roughly 30 yards away from goal in the 31st minute, took a touch, and then hammered the ball into the top corner beyond a hopeless Robin Roefs.
Fellow defender Josko Gvardiol doubled their lead just four minutes later although it was a little less dramatic, scoring a header from a lovely Phil Foden cross. Foden then got the third and final goal just after the hour mark.
Rayan Cherki at his creative best
The young Frenchman was one of Europe’s best creators last season, ending Lyon’s 2024-25 campaign with 12 goals and 20 assists in his 44 games across all competitions, prompting City to scoop him up to help fill the void left by Kevin de Bruyne.
It’s taken a little while, but he’s starting to repay their faith, and this may well have been his best game in that famous sky-blue shirt. Cherki ended his game with two assists, completed the most dribbles (5), and created the most chances (6).
Pep Guardiola’s side have been so reliant on Erling Haaland in the attacking third so far this season, but he didn’t score today, and instead, City’s creative players stepped up and brought other players into the game.
They’re coming for you, Arsenal
The North London club were looking like champions elect following a truly remarkable first few months of the season, but injuries have taken their toll, and now Mikel Arteta can feel Guardiola’s hot, familiar breath on the back of his neck.
City are well and truly looking back to their best. Guardiola has thrown caution to the wind, unleashing the attacking quality City have as they’ve scored 16 goals in their last five Premier League games. The caveat being City have conceded eight.
A title race is exactly what the doctor ordered, even if it’s the usual suspects competing. Thankfully Aston Villa are up there too, making things a little more interesting. City have been here before, though, and Arsenal should be worried.
No Rodri, no problem?
Last season, City’s season was completely derailed by Rodri’s ACL injury. This season, the Ballon d’Or winning defensive midfielder has barely featured due to more fitness issues, but thanks to Nico Gonzalez, they’ve been able to deal with it.
Gonzalez has been one of City’s most consistent performers across their 15 Premier League games. A calm, assured presence just in front of the back four, he progresses the ball well and covers more ground than one might think.
His performance against Sunderland displayed exactly that. Gonzalez ended his game having made 11 passes into the final third, had 2/3 accurate long balls, and 80 touches. Any side in the world would miss a player like Rodri, but Gonzalez has been the perfect substitute.