There was yet more misery for Roberto Mancini's men on Wearside as former City winger Adam Johnson netted a second-half winner to give the hosts three much-needed points.

The champions' afternoon was made worse by Manchester United beating Newcastle United 4-3 to extend their lead at the top of the table to seven points.

Sports Mole takes a closer look at the action from the North-East as City suffered their second defeat of the season.

Match statistics:

Sunderland:
Shots 12
On target 6
Possession 43%
Corners 3
Fouls 14

Man City:
Shots 19
On target 12
Possession 57%
Corners 7
Fouls 16

Was the result fair?

The statistics might say otherwise, but Sunderland deserved at least a point for their monumental effort against the champions. It was one of the most committed performances that you are likely to see this season. Meanwhile, City huffed and puffed and just couldn't find a way to convert their chances.

Sunderland's performance

Manager Martin O'Neill is sure to be delighted with the display from his players. The defence got their bodies in the way of a number of goalbound efforts, while the midfielder also came back to help. A real team performance that should see them start to push on.

Man City's performance

City spent plenty of time camping in the opposition half, but they just couldn't find the breakthrough. Despite a number of their big-name players being under-par, they should have got something from the game.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Simon Mignolet: The Belgian was immense at the back for the hosts. He was on hand to deny Yaya Toure, Sergio Aguero and, by the end, anyone else you care to mention. It's no surprise that the 'big' clubs in the Premier League are thought to be watching him.

Biggest gaffe

Joe Hart sets his standards very high and he is sure to be disappointed with Adam Johnson's goal. It was a decently-struck effort, but the way it crept in at the near post will annoy him no end.

Referee performance

Kevin Friend should have given a foul on Pablo Zabaleta during the build-up for Sunderland's goal, though it would have been more of a guess considering his position away from the incident. Vincent Kompany was also lucky not to get a second yellow card.

What next?

Sunderland: The tough games keep coming for the Black Cats as they host Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Saturday.

Man City: The Blues will have to dust themselves down fairly quickly as they continue the defence of their title at Norwich City on Saturday.