Manchester City had to survive three Sunderland fightbacks before finally putting the game beyond doubt, with a thrilling 5-3 victory at the Etihad keeping them perfect after five Premier League matches.
City needed only nine minutes to take the lead. Enzo Fernandez caught Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs out with a clever free-kick from a tight angle to score his first goal for the club.
Sunderland quickly showed they would not sit back. Enzo Le Fee sent Brian Brobbey through and the Dutch striker beat Gianluigi Donnarumma to level.
City regained the lead in the 29th minute after Sunderland were caught trying to play out from the back. The ball fell to Rayan Cherki, who kept his composure before finding the bottom corner.
Again, Sunderland responded. Le Fee played Thomas Meunier through and the defender squared for Brobbey to score his second. A lengthy VAR check followed before the goal was confirmed.
City had the final say before the break. Antoine Semenyo fired home in the 43rd minute after Sunderland failed to clear a cross.
Semenyo struck again 12 minutes into the second half. His left-footed effort found the far corner after the ball broke kindly for him.
Sunderland refused to disappear. Brobbey completed his hat-trick in the 59th minute after Nilson Angulo sent the ball across the face of goal.
The visitors then threatened an equaliser. Donnarumma failed to claim a high ball and Ruben Dias had to clear off the line after the ball bounced towards the City goal.
City eventually found breathing room nine minutes from time. Josko Gvardiol delivered from the left and Erling Haaland slid in at the far post to make it 5-3.
The goal was initially ruled offside but VAR overturned the decision. Haaland’s strike also completed his record of scoring against every Premier League opponent he has faced.
