Manchester City climbed to the summit of the Premier League after a wild 5-3 victory over Sunderland, a Manchester afternoon of set pieces, swift replies and an Erling Haaland milestone that added another chapter to the Norwegian’s prolific English record.
City, led by Enzo Maresca, took the points in their fifth league match of the season and moved into first place in the table. The hosts were repeatedly tested by Sunderland, who answered each of City’s first two leads and remained within reach until the closing stages.
A first City goal for Enzo Fernández
Enzo Fernández set the tone after nine minutes with his first goal in City colours. The Argentine midfielder struck a free-kick from the edge of the penalty area, bending his effort around the wall and into the net for the opening goal.
Sunderland levelled three minutes later, before Rayan Cherki restored the home side’s advantage in the 29th minute. The visitors again found an immediate route back, equalising four minutes afterwards to make it 2-2.
Antoine Semenyo ensured City went into the interval ahead, scoring in the 43rd minute. He then produced his second goal of the match in the 57th minute, putting the home side 4-2 in front.
There was still another Sunderland response. Brian Brobbey reduced the deficit only two minutes after Semenyo’s second, leaving the contest open at 4-3 and forcing City to see out a match that had become a relentless exchange of attacks.
Haaland completes the scoring and a league-wide record
Haaland settled the occasion in the 81st minute, scoring City’s fifth and final goal. Beyond securing the 5-3 result, the strike meant he has now scored against every Premier League opponent he has faced since arriving in England, achieving the mark within four years.
The Norway international has five goals from five matches this season. Across 386 official appearances for Manchester City, he has registered 303 goals and 59 assists.
His City honours already include two Premier League titles, the FA Cup, Community Shield and League Cup, alongside the Champions League and UEFA Super Cup.
Fernández’s opener also carried significance after his move from Chelsea. The World Cup-winning midfielder joined City in one of the latest transfer window’s major deals, valued at €146 million, and his first goal offered an early landmark in his new spell in Manchester.
