Sunderland halt Manchester City’s unstoppable train as Arsenal emerge as the big winners of the clash

Sunderland end Manchester City's eight-game win streak with a brave display at the Stadium of Light. (Image credits – Heute, Licence Details)

A brave display from newly promoted side Sunderland saw Manchester City lose two important points at the Stadium of Light. Pep Guardiola’s side were on an eight-game win streak across all competitions but failed to score a single goal against the Black Cats as the game ended 0-0 in favour of Arsenal.

City dominated the game from start to finish, but a brilliant defensive display from the hosts kept Erling Haaland and co. at bay. Sunderland are exceeding everyone's expectations, as they still remain unbeaten at home so far, sitting seventh in the table, which is massive for a newly promoted team, especially after so many years.

Bernardo Silva’s goal was cancelled in the first half after he was found offside while latching onto Haaland’s slick flick from Ryan Cherki’s corner kick. Brian Brobbey completely outmuscled Ruben Dias and nearly gave the home side a brilliant goal but was denied by Gigi Donnarumma.

Black Cats' keeper Robin Roefs was the point of difference yet again, keeping his seventh clean sheet of the campaign so far and denying Man City on three occasions.

The Gunners ultimately emerged as the real winners from this clash, as they extended the gap at the top to four points.

Sunderland boss Regis le Bris was pumped after his team's performance against one of the best sides in Europe right now.

"I'm enjoying it. I think we showed strong character against probably one of the best teams in Europe at the minute,” said Le Breis in the post-match interview. (sic)

He further added that "it was important to defend well. I think we were bold because we tried to be aggressive and high up the pitch. I think we disturbed their routine, maybe their flow, and it was really important. We created a few chances as well, so it was a good game.”  (sic)

Two points dropped or one crucial point earned?: How will this draw affect Manchester City’s Premier League title hopes?

Manchester City seemed to be on a roll, having won all their previous eight games in all competitions. This is the period when Pep Guardiola’s ‘sleeping lion’ wakes up; no one other than Liverpool and Arsenal fans would know better.

City dropped crucial points at the freezing Stadium of Light, but is it a crucial point earned as well considering that no team so far has been able to beat the Black Cats at home this season?

Arsenal, who sit top of the table, drew 2-2 in this venue against Le Breis’ side a few weeks back. However, Guardiola and his team are right to be disappointed, as they could've mounted serious pressure on the Gunners had they won this game.

City skipper Bernardo Silva came out after the game disappointed and lashed out at the missed chances which ultimately cost them the three points.

"Two different halves; in the first half we didn't play that well. We didn't control the counter as well as we should,” said Silva. (sic)

He further added, "We attacked a bit too quickly, and we didn't move them to find spaces. In the second half we had a lot more chances, and today was one of those days we couldn't finish them. We are not happy because we wanted better than this.” (sic)

The Premier League seems to be heading towards a two-horse race between Manchester City and Arsenal. This game at the Stadium of Light will prove to be the difference, and only time will tell us whether it was a crucial point for City or a huge two points lost at the end of the campaign.

Arsenal cannot get complacent, as there are still many games left to be played, and for City, they have to forget this performance and move on.