Manchester City survived a spirited Sunderland comeback to claim a dramatic 5-3 victory and move three points clear at the top of the Premier League heading into the international break.
Enzo Maresca’s side maintained their perfect start to the season despite conceding three times to Brian Brobbey, whose first senior hat-trick kept Sunderland in contention throughout an extraordinary contest.
City opened the scoring in the ninth minute when Enzo Fernandez marked his first goal since his £125 million transfer from Chelsea with a free-kick that beat the goalkeeper at the near post.
Sunderland responded quickly through Brobbey, who collected an incisive pass from Enzo Le Fee and finished past Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The hosts regained their advantage after Sunderland lost possession while attempting to build from the back. Rayan Cherki capitalised on the mistake, finding the bottom corner with a composed finish.
However, Regis Le Bris’ side refused to retreat. Another precise pass from Le Fee released Thomas Meunier, who squared the ball for Brobbey to score his second. A lengthy VAR review confirmed the equaliser.
City gradually established greater control and moved ahead for the third time in the 43rd minute. Sunderland failed to clear a cross from the right, allowing Antoine Semenyo to fire home.
Erling Haaland then missed an excellent opportunity to extend the lead before half-time, sending his effort wide after Iliman Ndiaye had created the opening.
The hosts appeared to have taken control when Semenyo struck again early in the second half. Marc Guehi’s intended pass towards Haaland reached the forward, who drilled a left-footed effort into the far corner.
Sunderland needed just two minutes to respond. Granit Xhaka released Nilson Angulo, whose delivery across goal allowed Brobbey to complete his hat-trick from close range.
City attempted to slow the tempo through sustained possession but remained vulnerable defensively. Donnarumma failed to collect a high ball, and Ruben Dias was forced to clear off the line after his loose touch sent the ball towards his own goal.
The visitors continued to threaten from set pieces before Haaland finally secured the points nine minutes from time, sliding in at the far post to convert Josko Gvardiol’s cross.
The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but VAR overturned the decision after confirming that Gvardiol had timed his run correctly.
Haaland’s late strike also completed a personal milestone, with the Norwegian now having scored against every Premier League opponent he has faced.
Despite being tested repeatedly by Sunderland, City preserved their 100% league record and enter the international break with a three-point advantage at the summit.