An early goal from Rabbi Matondo and Ian Poveda‘s strike saw Manchester City secure three points with ease against Sunderland.
A dominant performance saw the Blues seal a fifth Premier League 2 victory of the season.
What happened
Simon Davies’ side took control of the proceedings from the first whistle.
City took the lead over the Black Cats after just 11 minutes, thanks to Matondo who was waiting at the back post to slot home.
The Blues looked confident and enjoyed a majority of the possession throughout the first half and Javairo Dilrosun looked as though he would double City’s lead as he attempted a strike from the edge of the box in the 24th minute. Despite the confidence in his attempt, Sunderland keeper Max Stryjek blocked it with ease.
Just moments later, the 1-0 lead was doubled as Tom Dele-Bashiru’s superb effort rebounded off the corner of the crossbar to oncoming Poveda, who tapped in the deflection to increase City’s goal tally.
In the second half the Black Cats ramped-up the pressure and looked more energetic but we were able to keep the home-side at bay thanks to a calm and collected manner from the young side.
The first clear-cut chance of the second half fell to Sunderland as Paddy McNair fired a low-riding cross towards Dan Grimshaw‘s far post, but our ‘keeper collected the ball calmly and seemed unfazed.
After being slightly unsettled by the Black Cats, City returned to their first half form. Poveda was simply rapid and darted around the wing creating chances for his fellow Blues. In the 70th minute, Poveda pinpointed oncoming Dilrosun with a perfect curling cross, but our No.10’s effort deflected off the crossbar.
Chances continued to fall City’s way as the game drew to a close, but the Blues were unable to add to the score sheet.
How they lined-up
Daniel Grimshaw took his place in goal and was shielded by a back four of Eric Garcia, Tosin Adarabioyo, skipper Joel Jatibeaudiere and Ed Francis.
Marcus Wood, Dele-Bashiru and Dilrosun made up the midfield while Matondo and Poveda flanked Lorenzo Gonzalez up front.
What it means
City’s win over Sunderland marks our fifth victory of the season and sees us increase our points tally up to 20 in the Premier League 2 table.
What’s next
On Tuesday, a majority of our EDS squad will feature in the Uefa Youth League as City Under-19s take on Inter Milan.
The game is set to take place at the Academy Stadium on Tuesday 20 February, kick-off at 5pm (GMT).
