Cherki’s Rabona Lights Up the Etihad as City Close the Gap on Arsenal
Manchester City seized on Arsenal’s slip at Aston Villa to close the gap at the top of the Premier League to two points, easing past Sunderland 3-0 at the Etihad Stadium. Long-range and set-piece strikes from centre-backs Rúben Dias and Josko Gvardiol put Pep Guardiola’s side in command before Phil Foden, supplied by a sensational rabona cross from Rayan Cherki, sealed a controlled victory.
Newly promoted Sunderland, who arrived in Manchester riding a strong run and occupying a top-seven place after eye-catching results against Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea, defended stoutly for half an hour and then briefly threatened a revival at 2-0, with Wilson Isidor and Granit Xhaka going close. Gianluigi Donnarumma, the woodwork, and Cherki’s brilliance combined to ensure City avoided the late chaos that has marred recent matches and kept the title race firmly alive.
Patience Pays as Centre-Backs Break the Deadlock