Manchester City secured their third victory in a week with a commanding 3-0 triumph over Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium, marking their 12th win in 13 Premier League games and extending a seven-match home winning streak.

After Arsenal’s lunchtime defeat, City knew a win would bring them within two points of the league leaders. Unsurprisingly, Pep Guardiola’s side dominated from the outset, especially against a Sunderland team that had never beaten City at the Etihad in the Premier League era.

Despite their control, City initially struggled to break down Sunderland’s resolute defense. Rayan Cherki nearly created an opening for Erling Haaland, the league’s current top scorer, but the Norwegian failed to connect with the Frenchman’s teasing pass.

City’s persistence paid off just after the half-hour mark with two quickfire goals in four minutes. First, Ruben Dias unleashed a spectacular 30-yard strike, reminiscent of Vincent Kompany, sending the ball into the top corner and leaving fans in awe. Moments later, Joško Gvardiol doubled the lead with a towering header from Phil Foden’s corner, marking City’s 18th first-half goal of the season—more than any other team in the league.

Sunderland grew into the game after the break and came close to reducing the deficit on two occasions. Wilson Isidor dispossessed Dias but was denied by a brilliant off-the-line save from Gianluigi Donnarumma, while Granit Xhaka saw a shot rebound off the woodwork.

City sealed the win on 65 minutes when Foden finished off a sublime rabona cross from Cherki, showcasing the home side’s clinical edge. Cherki almost scored himself later, but Robin Roefs made a smart save to keep the clean sheet intact.

The visitors struggled to respond as City controlled the remainder of the match, reaffirming their dominance ahead of the title run-in. Guardiola’s men will now need to maintain consistency if they are to keep pace with Arsenal at the top of the Premier League.

For Sunderland, the defeat drops them to seventh, but Régis Le Bris will now focus on preparing his side for next week’s crucial Tyne-Wear derby against Newcastle United.