Sunderland – Manchester City: Sunderland impose themselves physically, stop City and remain unbeaten at home (0-0)

Sunderland and Manchester City closed Matchday 19, ending the first half of the Premier League season with a goalless draw at the Stadium of Light. Backed by an energized crowd, Sunderland imposed themselves physically, created excellent chances in the first half and managed to stop the best attack in the competition. With the result, Guardiola’s side saw Arsenal pull away at the top of the table.

Tactical analysis and match report by Marcus Arboés.

Sunderland is the big surprise of the season in England, but Régis Le Bris has faced a major challenge: covering for six absences due to players competing in the Africa Cup of Nations and the injury to centre back Ballard. As a result, the team lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Roefs in goal; Hume at right back and Cirkin on the left; Mukiele and Alderete completing the defence; Geertruida as a “total midfielder” alongside leader Xhaka; Le Fee as the attacking midfielder, Mayenda on the right wing, Adingra on the left wing and Brobbey, who has been cementing his starting role, as the striker.

Guardiola, meanwhile, chose to rotate a side that had been functioning well and delivering a strong run of victories in order to rest some players, with only Aït-Nouri and Marmoush away at the Africa Cup of Nations. The City lineup was Donnarumma in goal; Matheus Nunes on the right, Ruben Dias and Aké at centre back and O’Rilley on the left; Nico as the holding midfielder, followed by four players rotating positions, Bernardo Silva, Cherki, Foden and Savinho, with Haaland as the most advanced number nine.

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