Published: 09:15, September 21, 2026
Manchester City wins thriller to go top of Premier League
By Xinhua
Manchester City's Erling Haaland shoots during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Sunderland in Manchester, England, Sept 20, 2026. (PHOTO/AP)

LONDON – Manchester City moved to the top of the Premier League after beating Sunderland 5-3 on Sunday.

Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey scored a hat-trick, twice pulling his side level after Manchester City had taken the lead through Enzo Fernandez and then Rayan Cherki, before Antoine Semenyo appeared to put the game beyond reach with goals in the 43rd and 57th minutes.

Brobbey struck again two minutes later to reopen the contest, but Erling Haaland sealed Manchester City's fifth win of the season in the 81st minute.

Liverpool's Alexander Isak (left) is tackled by Bournemouth's James Hill during the English Premier League soccer match between Bournemouth and Liverpool in Bournemouth, England, Sept 20, 2026. (PHOTO/AP)

Alexander Isak gave coach Andoni Iraola a winning return to the south coast as Liverpool edged Bournemouth 1-0, while Leeds United was held to a goalless draw at home by Crystal Palace.

Matheus Cunha scored a late equalizer to rescue a point for Manchester United away to Fulham, which had looked on course for victory after Lisandro Martinez put the ball into his own net in the 63rd minute.

Arsenal suffered its first league defeat of the season on Saturday after losing 3-0 to Brighton.