We need to talk about Granit Xhaka and Florent Ghisolfi's influence on the culture at Sunderland
The moments you may have missed as Sunderland faced Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon
Sunderland headed to the Etihad sitting sixth in the Premier League table, level on points with Crystal Palace and just one behind Chelsea, an almost surreal sight given the club’s journey over the past few years. Manchester City, second and still expected to challenge Arsenal at the top, entered the afternoon under pressure to maintain pace in the title race. For Régis Le Bris and his young side, it was another test of how far they had come and how far they might still go.
The away end travelled in huge numbers once again, noisy from outside the ground through to kick-off, as the champions welcomed one of the stories of the season. It felt like a meeting between two teams on very different financial planets, yet far closer on the pitch than anyone outside Wearside expected. Here, we take a look at the notable moments you may have missed before, during and after the game:
Surprise and concern at Sunderland’s starting XI to face Man City
Sunderland were without Reinildo for the trip to Manchester City after the left back suffered a fresh injury setback. His absence prompted a reshuffle, bringing Lutsharel Geertruida into the XI and pushing Trai Hume across to left-wing back, with Nordi Mukiele shifting to the right. A club statement ahead of the game said: “Reinildo misses today’s game due to a minor groin injury, but is expected be available next weekend.”
Le Bris made two further changes that pointed towards a return to a 5-4-1 shape. Bertrand Traore came back into the side after being rested in midweek, while Chemsdine Talbi was held in reserve as an impact option from the bench. Up front, Wilson Isidor replaced Brian Brobbey, who was managed carefully following heavy minutes at Liverpool and was named among the substitutes. As expected, Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki both started despite sitting one booking away from suspension heading into next week’s derby with Newcastle United.
Sunderland suffer injury worry as Le Bris makes decision
In the 37th minute, there was real concern when Nordi Mukiele went down following a strong challenge from Josko Gvardiol, who was booked for the tackle. Mukiele received treatment on his right leg and looked in some discomfort as the medical team worked on him. After a couple of minutes he got back to his feet and was able to continue, easing tensions on the Sunderland bench and in the away end.
In the second half and with Sunderland 3-0 down, Le Bris then made a sensible call in the second half by withdrawing Noah Sadiki and Granit Xhaka, both one booking away from suspension ahead of next Sunday’s Wear-Tyne derby. It was a sharp piece of game management, with neither risked late on. In a touching moment that followed, Hume was handed the captain’s armband. For a player who featured for the club in League One not long ago, captaining Sunderland out in the Premier League against Manchester City felt like a milestone worth noting. Ballard then picked up the armband when Hume was subbed for Luke O’Nien, who was promptly shown a straight red card for a poor foul. He will now miss games against Newcastle United, Brighton and Leeds United.
Granit Xhaka hits post and Wilson Isidor misfires
Sunderland defended well for the opening half hour and looked disciplined without the ball, but eventually fell behind to a brilliant strike from Ruben Dias that took a slight deflection on its way in. Manchester City added a second soon after when Josko Gvardiol headed home, although there were questions in the away end as to why Enzo Le Fée had been left marking him in the box.
The second half could easily have taken a different turn. Granit Xhaka cracked the post at 2-0, a moment that would have changed the entire complexion of the night had it gone in. Wilson Isidor later missed his second big chance in three days, unable to convert after finding himself through on goal once more. City made Sunderland pay for those moments, with Phil Foden finishing clinically to make it 3-0. There was no wastefulness from the champions. Guardiola’s side were ruthless, efficient and unforgiving, and if they find rhythm over the winter they will feel capable of pushing Arsenal all the way. On the night, City looked every inch a title challenger and were comfortably the best team Sunderland have faced this season.
Régis Le Bris celebrates his birthday
Sunderland’s trip to the Etihad coincided with Le Bris’ 50th birthday, marked with a short message from the club on social media as the head coach arrived at the stadium. Le Bris was appointed in July 2024 on a three-year contract and made an immediate impact, winning Championship Manager of the Month in his first month in charge after a perfect start to the season.
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Less than a year later, he guided Sunderland back to the Premier League after an eight-year absence, securing promotion with a 2-1 win over Sheffield United in the play-off final. His influence has been enormous on and off the pitch, and the milestone served as a reminder of how quickly he has reshaped the club’s trajectory.
Familiar faces in and around the Etihad Stadium
Former striker Niall Quinn was in attendance at the Etihad, watching two of his old clubs face off. Quinn enjoyed memorable spells with both Sunderland and Manchester City during his playing career before later returning to Wearside as chairman and even stepping in as caretaker manager. He was spotted by TV cameras watching the game unfold.
There was also a familiar face among the away support before the game, with former Sunderland defender Phil Bardsley seen in a pub singing Wise Men Say with travelling fans. Bardsley was more than happy to pose for photos and share a few moments with fans with videos circulating online ahead of the clash.
Full circle moment for Pep Guardiola against Sunderland
There was a full-circle feel to the afternoon for Pep Guardiola. It was the first time Sunderland had visited the Etihad since Guardiola’s very first Premier League game back in the 2016-17 season, when his Manchester City tenure began against the Black Cats. Sunderland have dropped into the second and third tiers since that day, making this return to the top-flight a long time coming for a club that once felt like a permanent fixture among English football’s elite.
In the years between those meetings, Manchester City have become one of the most dominant sides the country has ever seen. Guardiola’s team has won the Premier League on six occasions, adding three FA Cups, four EFL Cups, the FA Community Shield three times, the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup to an extraordinary haul of honours.
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