Manchester City stretched their unbeaten run with a dramatic 5‑3 victory over Sunderland on Sunday, allowing new boss Enzo Maresca a brief moment of relief before the international break. The eight‑goal spectacle tested the manager’s nerves but confirmed City’s early‑season dominance.
Manchester City extended their flawless Premier League start on Sunday with a 5‑3 win against Sunderland, preserving their 100% record after five matches. The high‑scoring encounter, described as an "eight‑goal thriller" by observers, saw City dominate but also concede three goals, prompting manager Enzo Maresca to admit the test was "very difficult" before expressing relief once the final whistle blew.
Post‑match, Maresca joked that he would have preferred a 1‑0 scoreline, highlighting the strain the defensive lapses placed on his squad despite the victory.[7] The win not only kept City level with league leaders Arsenal on points but also maintained their superior goal difference, reinforcing Maresca’s early ambition to become one of the few managers to win his first five Premier League games in charge.[1]
Analysts praised City’s attacking flair, labeling the side as "great entertainers" after the dominant display, while also noting the midfield’s unusual composition gave Maresca plenty to consider moving forward.[6] The result marked Sunderland’s first defeat in a top‑flight meeting with City since 2013, extending the Black Cats’ winless streak against the league’s current champions to nine games.[1]
With the international break looming, Maresca can now enjoy a short period of respite, having navigated a challenging fixture and kept his team’s perfect start intact.[3][4] The victory sets a strong platform for City as they look to maintain momentum in the weeks ahead.