Premier League: Pep regrets missed chances as Man City falls short against Sunderland

Manchester City came to the Stadium of Light hoping to end Sunderland’s unbeaten run in the Premier League this season, but had to settle for a 0-0 draw after spending the first evening of the new year in front of goal.

Thursday’s draw leaves City second in the standings, four points behind leaders Arsenal at mid-season. Coach Pep Guardiola had hoped for a better return from his attacking players, who hit the woodwork and had a goal disallowed for offside.

“A tough place to get to,” he told the BBC. «The number of chances we missed in the six-yard box, not difficult ones, but we couldn’t convert them. We didn’t do what we talked about in the first half, but overall it was a very good game.»

City tried everything to break Sunderland’s resistance, from firing crosses from the flanks to intricate build-ups through the middle, but Sunderland combined that with a defensive intensity that was enough to keep a clean sheet despite being in charge for most of the second half.

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“To break the lines, to have the composure to break them, it was better (in the) second half, the boys did everything,” Guardiola explained. «They are a bit heads-down, but we have to be heads-up because in three days we have a difficult match against Chelsea.»

The Sunderland fans played their part and had their team roaring throughout, and defender Trai Hume paid tribute to them after the final whistle.

«Every time we play at home, the fans are incredible. They are our 12th man, and I think you can see that in our performances and what our home record is this season,» he said.

«They always push us. We make it difficult for opposition teams who come here, so we have to keep it that way.»

Published on January 2, 2026