Sunderland AFC Draws 0-0 Against Manchester City in Premier League Clash

Sunderland, England — Sunderland AFC faced Manchester City on January 1, 2026, in a thrilling Premier League matchup that ended in a goalless draw. Both teams displayed strong defensive strategies, but neither could find the net.

Sunderland’s goalkeeper, Robin Roefs, made several crucial saves, halting attempts from City’s Erling Haaland and Josko Gvardiol. Roefs’s performance was vital in helping Sunderland secure a clean sheet.

The home defense, led by Nordi Mukiele, effectively contained City’s attacking threats. Mukiele was particularly impressive, marking Haaland out of the game and contributing significantly to Sunderland’s defensive quality.

Despite Sunderland managing only 32% possession, they created noteworthy opportunities. The best chance came when midfielder Dennis Cirkin sent a perfectly placed cross that nearly found a teammate’s head. However, Sunderland could not convert their chances into goals.

“We applied pressure and played well defensively,” Mukiele said after the match. “It’s frustrating not to score, but we showed character against a tough opponent.”

Manchester City outshot Sunderland 14 to 4 but failed to capitalize on their opportunities. City struggled to break through Sunderland’s well-organized backline, particularly in the center where Alderete and Mukiele excelled.

The match was attended by 46,920 fans at the Stadium of Light, who witnessed a tactical battle rather than a goal-fest. Sunderland’s strong performance against the reigning champions demonstrates their potential as they look to improve their standing in the league.

Next week, Sunderland will aim to carry this momentum into their upcoming fixtures, with hopes of securing a win against their next opponent.