Manchester City’s hopes of a comfortable New Year’s Day outing were dashed in the North East as newly promoted Sunderland produced a heroic defensive display to hold the reigning champions to a goalless draw at the Stadium of Light.
Pep Guardiola’s side arrived on Wearside riding an eight-match winning streak, but they were met by a freezing reality check and a well-drilled Sunderland team marshalled superbly by head coach Regis Le Bris. What followed was one of the most fascinating—and frustrating—fixtures of the holiday round.
City dominated possession and territory, yet found no way past a resolute Black Cats backline. For the first time in his Premier League career, Erling Haaland failed to score against a particular opponent, as the Norwegian striker was expertly neutralised throughout the contest. Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs was outstanding, producing a series of world-class saves to preserve a famous clean sheet.
The visitors came agonisingly close on several occasions. Josko Gvardiol’s looping volley rattled the post, while Bernardo Silva thought he had given City an early lead in the sixth minute, only for the effort to be ruled out for a marginal offside.
City’s only real boost on the day was the return of Rodri, who made his first appearance in two months following a hamstring injury. However, even the influential midfielder could not provide the spark needed to unlock Sunderland’s disciplined defence.
The stalemate had significant implications at the top of the Premier League table, especially on a day when other title contenders also stumbled. Liverpool and Tottenham were both held to goalless draws, compounding the sense of a festive hangover among the league’s heavyweights.
At the halfway point of the season, Arsenal remain clear at the summit with 45 points from 19 games, while City sit four points adrift on 41. Aston Villa, on 39 points, continue to lurk just behind the champions.
Elsewhere, Liverpool laboured to a 0-0 draw against Leeds at Anfield in the absence of Mohamed Salah, who is on AFCON duty, with Hugo Ekitike missing a gilt-edged chance. In London, Tottenham and Brentford played out a tactical stalemate that left Spurs still outside the top four.
For Guardiola and his men, the challenge is now clear. If City are to halt Arsenal’s momentum in 2026, the road ahead promises to be a steep and demanding climb.
