Manchester City dropped a pair of pivotal points on Thursday, as they went away to newly promoted Sunderland and dominated the Black Cats, but couldn’t put away their chances and settled for a 0-0 draw to kick off 2026.

WATCH — Sunderland v Manchester City full match replay

Defender Josko Gvardiol, who was subbed on to replace the injured Nathan Ake in the 3rd minute, led Man City with four shots in the game (all in the second half, just one on target). Sunderland have held less than 42 percent of possession on the season, largely by design, and Regis Le Bris’ side put in yet another heroic 90-minute defensive shift. Remarkably, the Black Cats have conceded just one more goal than City this season.

MORE — Pep Guardiola reaction

The draw sees Man City (41 points) slip four points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal at the halfway point of the season, after the Gunners hammered Aston Villa 4-1 on Tuesday. Sunderland (29 points) remain 7th.

What’s next?

  • Tottenham Hotspur vs Sunderland — Sunday, 10 am ET
  • Manchester City vs Chelsea — Sunday, 12:30 pm ET

Sunderland vs Manchester City live updates – by Andy EdwardsSunderland vs Man City final score: 0-0

Goalscorers: None

NO GOAL! Bernardo Silva’s opening goal ruled out for offside (6′)Sunderland starting lineup

Roefs – Hume, Mukiele, Alderete, Cirkin – Xhaka, Geertruida, Le Fee – Mayenda, Adingra, Brobbey

Man City starting lineup

Donnarumma – Nunes, Dias, Ake, O’Reilly – Gonzalez, Foden, Cherki – Silva, Savinho, Haaland

How to watch Sunderland vs Manchester City live, stream link and start time

Kick off time: 3pm ET Thursday
Venue: Stadium of Light — Sunderland
TV Channel: USA
Streaming: Watch live on NBC.com

City have won six-straight Premier League matches — three home and three away — and sit five points back of Premier League leaders Arsenal with a match-in-hand on the Gunners.

Their hosts continue to impress in their return to the Premier League and are on their third run of at least three matches unbeaten after beating Newcastle and drawing both Brighton and Leeds. Regis Le Bris will rival anyone for Premier League Manager of the Year as he has Sunderland seventh with 28 points despite losing six players to this month’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Sunderland team news, focus

OUT: Chemsdine Talbi (international duty – AFCON), Aji Alese (shoulder), Noah Sadiki (international duty – AFCON), Reinildo Mandava (international duty – AFCON), Arthur Masuaku (international duty – AFCON), Bertrand Traore (international duty – AFCON), Habib Diarra (international duty – AFCON) | QUESTIONABLE: Dan Ballard (ankle)

Manchester City team news, focus

OUT: John Stones (unspecified), Rayan Ait-Nouri (international duty – AFCON), Omar Marmoush (international duty – AFCON), Mateo Kovacic (ankle), Oscar Bobb (thigh) | QUESTIONABLE: Jeremy Doku (calf)

Sunderland vs Manchester City prediction

Le Bris may be a wizard but so is Pep Guardiola, whose team is looking healthy and ready to compete on four fronts. With an almost absurd 43 goals this season, they dare teams to outscore them. Sunderland shouldn’t be able to do that, even at the bubbling cauldron that is the Stadium of Light. Sunderland 0-2 Manchester City.