Stadium of Light Stunner: Sunderland Hold Man City to Goalless Draw in Premier League Thriller

Sunderland produced a resolute defensive display at the Stadium of Light, holding Manchester City to a hard-fought 0-0 draw in their Premier League clash on January 1, 2026, extending the Black Cats' unbeaten home record to 10 games.[1][2]

The match kicked off with City nearly taking an early lead when Erling Haaland flicked Rayan Cherki's corner to Bernardo Silva, who hooked home after just six minutes, but the goal was disallowed for offside.[1] Sunderland responded in the 19th minute as Brian Brobbey latched onto Nordi Mukiele's aerial pass, breaking clear before seeing his effort saved by Manchester City's Gianluigi Donnarumma, with the follow-up cleared off the line.[1]

Trai Hume glanced a header over for the hosts before the break, while in the second half, Savinho and Eliezer Mayenda went close for Sunderland. Substitute Josko Gvardiol struck the post with 16 minutes remaining, summing up City's frustrating afternoon.[1] Donnarumma was again called into action to deny Brobbey one-on-one and later Simon Adingra at the near post.[1][5]

City made changes at half-time, with Rodri replacing Nico González, and threatened through Cherki's bursts, but Savinho fired over and Haaland wasted a rebound. Pep Guardiola started Savinho and Nathan Aké, while Sunderland brought in Mayenda from their previous draw with Leeds.[1]

The result leaves Manchester City four points behind leaders Arsenal, sitting second with 40 points from 18 games (13 wins, 1 draw, 4 losses).[3] Sunderland hold seventh place on 28 points from 18 games (7 wins, 7 draws, 4 losses), level with Everton but ahead on goal difference.[3]

This draw marks a strong start to 2026 for the Black Cats against pre-match favourites, as pundits like Steve Nicol had predicted a comfortable City win.[3] Highlights show an entertaining battle with both sides creating chances in a typical Premier League encounter.[4]