Analysis: Brilliant Cherki leads the way
- Published
Will this day prove pivotal come May?
Manchester City took full advantage of Arsenal's slip-up at Villa Park and are now within touching distance of the top.
The home side had little joy in the opening 30 minutes, but Ruben Dias' thunderbolt and Josko Gvardiol's header turned the game - and possibly the title race - in City's favour.
Despite Sunderland's excellent start on their return to the top-flight, City were heavy favourites coming into this game and duly ensured there was no error made on their part.
They have now won their past seven matches against the Black Cats and stretched their imperious run over promoted sides to 25 victories in their past 27 such games, drawing the other two.
France international Rayan Cherki stood out for City with two assists, taking his tally to six for the campaign - the second of which was an audacious 'rabona' converted by Phil Foden via the crossbar.
With the Englishman firing and Erling Haaland the talisman up front, 22-year-old playmaker Cherki looks as if he may add an extra dimension in attack for City.