Manchester City go back to third with win over Sunderland

A goal from Stephen Ireland after 67 minutes was enough to give City the three points and maintain their perfect home record in the league.

 Ireland finished off Darius Vassell's cross to seal victory for Sven-Goran Eriksson's side but Sunderland will feel hard done-by after playing the better football for much of the match.

 Danny Collins and Anthony Stokes headed wide in the first half and a dangerous cross looked like it would be turned in by Kenwyne Jones only for the striker to fail to make the proper connection.

 City are now just two points behind joint leaders Arsenal and Manchester United, while Sunderland are 15th, just a point clear of the relegation zone.

DPA