“Sunderland Are So Physical” – Pep Guardiola Reflects On Frustrating Goalless Draw

Man City Held at Stadium of Light; Four Points Behind Arsenal.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola highlighted Sunderland‘s physicality as a key factor in Thursday’s goalless Premier League draw at the Stadium of Light on January 2, 2026.

The result leaves City four points behind leaders Arsenal (with a game in hand), extending a tricky run amid injuries and fixture congestion.

Guardiola told reporters post-match:
“They are so physical. They’re so strong, so it’s not a surprise at that. We take the point. (It’s) a long way. The result is always what it is.”

He remained positive about City’s performance, especially after halftime adjustments: “We create a lot against that team in this stadium, especially in the second half. The first half, we struggled simply because we struggled against their pressing but Rodri gave us the second pass, to break the lines, and we could run. Second half was much better.”

Sunderland, under Régis Le Bris, earned a valuable point with disciplined defending and high pressing – frustrating City’s possession dominance. The Black Cats sit comfortably mid-table, proving tough to break down at home.

A gritty point for City in the title chase – but Guardiola knows every dropped point counts, Onward.