Manchester City left Wearside with a single point after being frustrated by a disciplined Sunderland display, a result that leaves Pep Guardiola’s team four points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal.
The visitors arrived knowing Arsenal had earlier sent a statement of intent by dismantling Aston Villa, yet City could not convert control into goals at the Stadium of Light.
An early signal of intent came when Bernardo Silva bundled in from close range after an Erling Haaland touch, only for the flag to rule it out inside the opening minutes.
Haaland later went closest before the break for City, meeting a chance from 12 yards but directing his effort straight at Robin Roefs.
Missed moments at both ends
Sunderland absorbed pressure with composure and carried a threat themselves when opportunities arose.
Brian Brobbey muscled past Ruben Dias to latch onto a long pass, though Gianluigi Donnarumma’s size proved decisive as he blocked the attempt.
Just before the interval, Trai Hume glanced a header narrowly wide, drawing a sharp intake of breath from the home crowd.
After the restart, Rodri returned from injury to replace Nico Gonzalez, but City continued to find the home defence unyielding.
Injuries, woodwork and a standout defender
Jeremy Doku saw a fierce strike repelled in extraordinary fashion by Nordi Mukiele, who bravely took the ball full in the face, while Josko Gvardiol later watched his instinctive flick strike the post.
At the other end, Donnarumma reacted superbly to keep out Eliezer Mayenda’s low drive as Sunderland threatened a memorable victory.
City’s afternoon was further complicated by fitness concerns, with Gonzalez forced off at half-time, Savinho departing with a knock after missing from close range, and Nathan Ake briefly requiring treatment before continuing.
Despite enjoying 67.6% possession and registering 14 attempts, Guardiola’s side managed only four efforts on target, their eight-match winning run halted.
Sunderland’s reward was a deserved point that preserved their unbeaten home record, with Mukiele central to the resistance as he limited Haaland and produced a string of interventions.
The hosts, missing five players away at the Africa Cup of Nations, remain seventh in the standings, one point shy of Manchester United and Chelsea, while City begins a demanding January schedule, having been denied victory.
