"We are here to win titles”
, Joe Hart – 02/02/2016.
Goals; Aguero 16'
Line Up (4-4-2); Hart, Sagna, Otamendi, Demechelis, Clichy, Toure (Kolorov 79'), Fernandhino, Navas (Sterling 76'), Silva, Iheanacho (Fernando 45'), Aguero
Stats;Possession, 49%/51%; Shots, 11(6)/6(2); Fouls, 6/15
Line Up (4-4-2); Hart, Sagna, Otamendi, Demechelis, Clichy, Toure (Kolorov 79'), Fernandhino, Navas (Sterling 76'), Silva, Iheanacho (Fernando 45'), Aguero
Stats;Possession, 49%/51%; Shots, 11(6)/6(2); Fouls, 6/15
After a promising start, it was in the end a relentless display of dogged defending which saw City grab the points on Wearside. City had put eight past Sunderland on the two previous meetings this season, four at the Stadium of Light in the League Cup, but tonight it was not to be.
The starting line up, saw the fans' dream pairing of Iheanacho and Aguero get a run out in an attack minded line up, but from the whistle it was clear Sunderland and their new signings were up for a fight. City had only seen one sight on goal from an early strike from Aguero on 9', when the Argentinian again ghosted into space from a pacey, well worked move between Silva, Yaya and Navas. City's Spanish winger playing the final ball across for Aguero to sweep into up to right over Mannone. 1-0 City. For a couple of agonising minutes it looked as if the goal had come at a high cost, as Aguero stayed down having received a hefty whack to his right calf from Jones. The Sunderland full-back was a relieved man not to receive a card, but not as relieved as the City faithful as Aguero rejoined the game three minutes later.
City once more went close on 27' when Iheanacho played in that man Aguero again, but the long range shot ended on top of the Sunderland goal, as defender Kirchoff got the hint of his boot to the ball. And that really was the sum of City's attacking evening. The change of tempo which created the space to score, was not seen again in the first or second half from City, and Sunderland have to be given credit for playing their own game throughout the 97 minutes.
From then on in it was City's much maligned defence who have to take the plaudits. Sagna and Clichy dealt well with constant overlaps and long diagonals into the corner. Otamendi and a fearless Demechelis dealt with the belligerence of Borini and Catermole, as well as some pretty nasty elbows from Defoe who miraculouslly stayed out of the book when on another day a couple of reds could have been shown. My Man of the Match though goes to big Joe Hart. He made yet another world class save on 44', twice denying Defoe first from a quick turn and secondly to have the quick thinking of covering his near post. In the second half he dealt with a succession of in swinging corners from Khazri, designed to go straight in the net, and then stopped a screamer from Jones tipping the ball safely round the post.
So a rugged rather than swash buckling display, but the points all count the same. Especially rewarding as Arsenal dropped two points at home to Southampton, leaving City in second place three points behind Leicester who visit the Etihad this weekend.
@l0ngwayfr0mh0me
