Sunderland 1-2 Man City

Manchester City claimed a fortunate victory at the Stadium Of Light thanks to a late Vassell winner.

Sven Goran Eriksson’s will be thanking his lucky stars after his side plucked an undeserved victory away at Sunderland.

The first-half of this tie, was short of clear chances although Sunderland played the more offensive football and kept pushing for an opener.

Dean Whitehead did level matters just a few minutes later with an excellent strike. Although the away team again scored against the run of play with Darius Vassell netting on 87 minutes.

It was left until late before this game came to life, 79m minutes in fact!

With just over ten to go Manchester City were awarded a penalty, Nyron Nosworthy adjudged to have brought down Daniel Sturridge. Elano was called upon and converted the spot kick.

It was harsh for the Black Cats, but they responded straight away. A wonderful volley from Whitehead after a great ball from Reid just 3 minutes later.

The game was now high tempo, but City who were disappointing over the 90 minutes, were grateful to Darius Vassell. His miss-kick found the net leaving just 3 minutes for a Sunderland response, which never came.