Overview
- Manchester City were held 0-0 at Sunderland, leaving them four points behind Arsenal at the season’s midpoint.
- An early Bernardo Silva finish was overturned for offside on a VAR review, and Rodri returned from injury as a second-half substitute.
- Sunderland extended their home unbeaten league run to 10 as goalkeeper Robin Roefs produced key saves and centre-backs Omar Alderete and Nordi Mukiele contained Erling Haaland.
- Pep Guardiola rued missed chances and faced fresh concerns with Nico Gonzalez taken off at halftime and Savinho forced off injured.
- Arsenal’s earlier 4-1 win over Aston Villa featured a disputed Mikel Merino shirt pull that a former referee said warranted a second yellow, and Liverpool’s 0-0 with Leeds underlined Arne Slot’s concerns over creativity without key forwards.