Manchester City continued their outstanding start to the 2026/27 Premier League season with a 5–2 victory over Sunderland on Sunday, 20 September 2026.
Former Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández opened the scoring in the 9th minute, Rayan Cherki added City’s second in the 29th minute, Antoine Semenyo struck twice (43’, 57’), and Erling Haaland sealed the win in the 81st minute.
After the match, Rayan Cherki was interviewed, and Softfootball provides the full transcript below.
On the match:
It was a great game, and we know the quality of Sunderland. They have some very good players, and we have to keep working.
On Sunderland’s attacking style:
No, I wasn’t surprised. We knew their quality, but we didn’t press as well as we needed to in the first half. We changed that in the second half and saw the difference.
On preferring open‑world games (open matches):
Yes. When the game is open, we find more space and have more time to choose the right tempo and the right pass. We are very proud of this win.
On his goal:
I’m very happy because it gave us the 2–1 lead. I always want to help my teammates with assists, but also score plenty of goals.
On the fans:
I love the fans too. I think they enjoyed a great game today, and I’m very happy for them.
On City’s seven consecutive wins and being three points clear:
Yes, but it’s only the beginning and the road is still long. We’re not thinking about winning the title now; we take it one game at a time.
On joining the national team:
Of course. We have a new coach, and we’ll keep working and have a great time.
Manchester City’s victory keeps them three points clear at the top, extending their winning streak to seven straight league matches. Cherki’s influence continues to grow, with his creativity, goals and leadership proving vital.
