Manchester City needed a late goal from Samir Nasri to earn a point against struggling Sunderland in an enthralling 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.
City made the perfect start when Sergio Aguero and striker partner Alvaro Negredo linked up well before setting up Fernandinho who made no mistake with his close-range finish to give the hosts a 1-0 lead with just two minutes showing on the clock.
Gus Poyet’s men should have levelled matters four minutes later as John O’Shea rose highest in the box, but his header went wide of the target and will be seen as a missed opportunity.
The former Manchester United player then came close with another header in the 13th minute but again O’Shea’s header went over the crossbar with Joe Hart seemingly beaten.
Sunderland then another glorious chance to grab an equaliser but Fabio Borini was caught in two minds whether to cross or shoot after beating the offside trap and ended up dragging the ball wide in the 19th minute.
Aguero was then replaced by Stefan Jovetic who came close to doubling City’s lead in the second-half but the former Fiorentina forwards effort was well saved by Vito Mannone in the Sunderland goal.
Poyet’s men finally converted one of their many chances as Connor Wickham tapped home from close range to level matters to make it 1-1 in the 73rd minute for his first league goal of the season.
Wickham then gave Sunderland a shock lead with a good finish after a break down the left by Emanuele Giaccherini to make it 2-1 to the Black Cats.
Samir Nasri then salvaged a point for City when his shot went straight at Mannone but somehow the ball squeezed out of his hands and over the line to make it 2-2 with both sides sharing the spoils.
