Sunderland once again hooked a surprising 1-0 win over Manchester City following a 21st minute strike by Phil Bardsley. On three previous occasions the hosts had won this fixture by one goal.

Yaya Toure and co arrived at the Stadium of Light having scored 14 goals in their past three games in all competitions, but as Sunderland defended as if their lives depended on it, they were unable to find a way past Vito Mannone.

It was just a second league victory of the season for the home side, and it served to boost their survival hopes and once again justify manager Poyet’s approach in front of a crowd of 40,137.