Manchester City's charge stalls at Sunderland, Liverpool held by Leeds on New Year's DayUpdated on: Jan 02, 2026 8:16 AM ISTAFPShare viaCopy linkManchester City trail Arsenal by four points at the top of the Premier League. (Action Images via Reuters)Manchester City trail Arsenal by four points at the top of the Premier League. Manchester City trail Arsenal by four points at the top of the Premier League after failing to end Sunderland's unbeaten home record in a 0-0 draw on Thursday, while Liverpool were also held by Leeds. In a goal-shy start to 2026, three of the four New Year's Day fixtures ended without a goal as Tottenham also played out a 0-0 draw on Thomas Frank's return to Brentford. City had won eight consecutive games to end 2025 and cut the gap on the Gunners to just two points. But they were unable to respond to Arsenal's impressive 4-1 demolition of third-place Aston Villa on Tuesday despite creating a host of chances against a depleted Sunderland. The Black Cats were without six players at the Africa Cup of Nations plus influential centre-back Dan Ballard due to injury. Bernardo Silva had a City goal ruled out for offside just six minutes in. Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs was in inspired form to deny Erling Haaland and Josko Gvardiol, while Savinho blasted a glorious chance over. But City could not find the breakthrough as Sunderland preserved their record of not losing in 10 games at the Stadium of Light since returning to the top flight."It's a mystery," said City boss Pep Guardiola on his side's inability to score.
