Following Arsenal’s defeat in the lunchtime kick-off, Manchester City knew that a win would put them within two points of the league leaders.
Unsurprisingly for a side that had never previously lost at home to Sunderland in the PL era, Pep Guardiola’s men controlled proceedings in the early stages.
Yet, they struggled to break down a stern rearguard stand from the visitors.
Rayan Cherki almost presented the current PL top scorer, Erling Haaland, with an opportunity to break the deadlock after flashing the ball across the face of goal, but uncharacteristically, the Norwegian was unable to make the connection.
City continued to probe, however, and found themselves two goals to the good after netting twice in four minutes just after the half-hour mark.
First, Rúben Dias produced a Vincent Kompany-esque strike from 30 yards out, rifling a stunning effort into the top corner.
The home fans were still taking in that stunner from the Portuguese centreback before his defensive partner, Joško Gvardiol, doubled the hosts’ lead after towering the Sunderland defence to send his smashing header home from Phil Foden’s corner.
Those two goals made it a league-high 18 first-half goals for City this season.
Régis Le Bris’ men finally grew into the contest in the second half and came close on two occasions to halving the deficit.
First, Wilson Isidor dispossessed Dias, but before he could fire on goal, Gianluigi Donnarumma brilliantly raced off the line to smother the Sunderland striker.
Then, Granit Xhaka was denied by the woodwork after the away side pushed for a goal.
However, for all of Sunderland’s resolve and effort to get back into the game was dashed on 65 minutes through the man in form, Foden, though Cherki deserved all the credit after producing a stunning moment via a rabona cross for the Englishman to head home.
Cherki was clearly in the mood and almost found a goal of his own minutes later, but Robin Roefs did well to get down low and deny the Frenchman.
City coasted through the remaining quarter hour and looked back to their dominant best.
That said, consistency will be needed if they are going to chase Arsenal all the way in the PL title race.
Naturally, Sunderland will be disappointed with the result, and they drop down to seventh, but Le Bris will now turn his attention to next week’s massive Tyne-Wear derby against Newcastle United.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Rayan Cherki (Manchester City)
