The Digest:
Manchester City took full advantage of Arsenal's earlier defeat, dispatching Sunderland 3-0 to close the gap at the Premier League summit to just two points. Inspired by a stunning Ruben Dias strike and a Phil Foden goal set up by a sensational Rayan Cherki rabona, City delivered a statement performance at the Etihad.
Key Points:
- Manchester City defeated Sunderland 3-0 to move within two points of league leaders Arsenal.
- Ruben Dias opened the scoring with a spectacular long-range strike in the first half.
- Josko Gvardiol doubled the lead with a header from a Phil Foden corner before halftime.
- Foden added a third after being set up by an audacious rabona cross from Rayan Cherki.
- The victory came hours after Arsenal lost 2-1 to Aston Villa in a dramatic late finish.
- Phil Foden has now been involved in nine goals in his last seven starts for City.
- Sunderland’s Luke O’Nien was sent off late for a dangerous challenge on Matheus Nunes.
- Pep Guardiola praised Cherki’s “simplicity” and effectiveness in executing the basics perfectly.
This commanding win reasserts City’s championship credentials and sets the stage for a tense and tightly contested Premier League title race in the weeks ahead.
Sources: Sky Sports, Premier League match report.
