City edge Sunderland in eight-goal thriller as Maresca's men go three clear

Manchester City's high-wire act returned in an eight-goal spectacle, leaving Enzo Maresca with plenty to ponder despite the win.

Manchester City

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NS · Premier League

Sunderland

What happened. Manchester City beat Sunderland in an eight-goal thriller at the Etihad, maintaining their 100 per cent start to the league season. Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey scored a hat-trick but ended up on the losing side.

• Maresca has won five consecutive league games at the start of his reign.
• City capitalised on Arsenal's slip to go three points clear at the top.
• Brobbey is the first top-flight player to score a hat-trick and lose since 2007.

“I prefer to win 1-0 than 5-3.”

— Enzo Maresca

City travel to Anfield in three weeks, with Maresca set to analyse his midfield during the international break.

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