Maresca’s City go chaos mode as Gakpo helps Liverpool

Manchester City delivered their most chaotic version of the season under Enzo Maresca, as Sunderland made their usual game-plan hard to execute and the match finished 5-3 at the Etihad. Sky Sports’ writers point out how far this was from the control City are often associated with.

City, too erratic

Maresca summed up the contrast after the game with a direct quote: “We want to control but the other team don’t want to allow us,” as reported by Sky Sports. He also warned beforehand that the task was big, adding that Sunderland were “very aggressive” off the ball.

Sky Sports highlights that it’s not something City normally do: they rarely concede so much territory at home, give up so many chances, and they don’t often ship three goals.

Brobbey dominates duels

Brian Brobbey turned his hold-up play into another strong showing, including three excellent goals. According to Sky Sports, whenever Brobbey won his duels against Rúben Dias—something he did repeatedly—there was space to play into.

Attacks then came in waves, with City’s forward line changing tempo as other options arrived quickly from wide areas, leaving the hosts overloaded in moments.

Gakpo’s impact

Sky Sports also flags Cody Gakpo as a key figure for Liverpool, pointing to another reminder of how important he is when the game demands intensity.

Overall, it was a Premier League day full of swings: City’s chaos in front of their own fans and Gakpo’s end-product for Liverpool stealing the spotlight.