Brian Brobbey hat-trick in 5-3 Man City loss, Sunderland xG tops hosts and rank 13th

Sunderland produced a vibrant performance despite a 5-3 defeat at title contenders Manchester City, as Brian Brobbey hit a top-flight hat-trick, the club’s first since Jermain Defoe.

Across an enthralling 90 minutes the Black Cats registered 17 attempts, nine on target, five off and three blocked, and posted their highest expected goals of the season at 4.15, above City’s 2.72. Sunderland Echo notes how their early-season xG compares across the division.

City fashioned 16 efforts, with six on target, five off and five blocked, and took the points through an Antoine Semenyo brace plus goals from Enzo Fernandez, Rayan Cherki and Erling Haaland.

That 1.49 average places Sunderland 13th in the Premier League xG table after five matches, with Manchester United leading on 2.18 ahead of Brighton on 2.04. Everton and Liverpool sit on 1.72, while Aston Villa are bottom on 1.04. Ipswich, Hull and Leeds trail Sunderland on 1.35, 1.28 and 1.27 respectively.

The defeat will sting, yet the numbers underline promise for Regis Le Bris, showing his side can create clear chances in high-pressure games.

Source: Sunderland Echo

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