Sunderland had beaten Chelsea and drawn with Arsenal and Liverpool this season, but they fell to Man City. Pep Guardiola's side scored two goals in the first half through center-backs Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol, before Phil Foden headed in the third goal in the second half.

Phil Foden heads in Man City's third goal during their Premier League match against Sunderland on 6/12/2025, at Etihad Stadium, Manchester, United Kingdom. *Photo: Reuters*

Striker Erling Haaland did not score and only touched the ball two times in the first half. However, Foden and Rayan Cherki continued their strong form. The English midfielder has scored five goals in his last three matches, while the French international assisted two goals for his teammates in this game.

The most beautiful moment of the match also came from a combination between these two players. Cherki delivered a rabona pass for Foden to head the ball off the underside of the crossbar and into the net in the 65th minute. Both Foden and Cherki wiggled their fingers in celebration, a gesture implying a spectacular goal.

Cherki moved up to co-lead the assist chart with five assists in the Premier League this season, matching the achievements of Bruno Fernandes and Mohammed Kudus. The 22-year-old midfielder also dribbled past two defenders in the penalty area and then chipped the ball for Haaland to tap in close to goal in the 59th minute, but a Sunderland player cleared it off the goal line.

Hoang An