Roberto Mancini saw his troops drop more points and fall seven points behind Manchester United in second place.
Now not only does he have to catch his neighbors but also try and make sure that they do not get overtaken by Chelsea, who could be potentially just one point behind them as they have a game in hand.
Mancini’s Manchester City had a dark evening at the Stadium of Light as ex-City player Adam Johnson scored the only goal of the match early in the second half. He managed to beat David Silva unleashing a ferocious strike that crept below and went into the net beating arguably the best keeper in the league.
It was a day that Sunderland displayed probably the best football that they have played this season while Manchester City did not turn up at all. The Black Cats played as a determined unit who needed to prove a point in front of the 42,190 spectators at the Stadium of Light.
City was close to taking the lead in the eight minute with Kompany’s header striking the crossbar and Yaya Toure’s rebound shot was saved by Mignolet. Mignolet with three amazing saves to his name one of each Yaya Toure, David Silva and Kun Aguero.
The entire Sunderland team was in perfect sync, as they all played very well but missed a host of chances. They beat the City defence on more than one occasion leaving the Mancini and his men in disarray.
Kompany who was booked in the game was very lucky to escape from a second yellow as he blocked McClean off the ball.
Late in the second half Manchester City went on pressing but to no avail. Manchester City will be harping on the foul on Zabaleta which was missed by referee Kevin Friend.
The loss leaves them seven points and in second place behind Manchester United while Sunderland have moved up the table into 13th spot.