Blue day for Black Cats

The midfielder has endured a difficult couple of months amid a much-publicised withdrawal from Republic of Ireland duty, when he was found to have lied about the death of both his grandmothers to hide the fact his partner had suffered a miscarriage.

Clearly though, Ireland's troubles have had no effect on his performances for City and the 21-year-old signalled his well-being by thunderously dispatching Darius Vassell's cross through Craig Gordon's legs to send Sven-Goran Eriksson's men soaring back into the top three and leave them just two points adrift of league leaders Arsenal.

It was tough luck on Sunderland, who worked tirelessly for manager Roy Keane but lacked the class in attack to collect the point their endeavour deserved.

Star man Elano embarked on a mazy dribble early on but failed to test Gordon, and the Brazilian also lined up a 35-yard free-kick only for the expectancy to give way to groans as his shot flew harmlessly wide.

Returning front man Emile Mpenza spurned City's best chance, screwing Elano's through ball wide from 15 yards.

Black Cats boss Keane may have reflected on Anthony Stokes' failure to convert the clearest opportunity of the entire first half when he rose to meet Grant Leadbitter's excellent cross but guided his header fractionally wide of Joe Hart's right-hand post.

But in bringing Vassell on for Michael Johnson at the break, Eriksson made the kind of astute tactical switch so regularly lacking in his England days.

Vassell's added pace on the left provided City with an extra attacking outlet and the former England star left Nyron Nosworthy far too easily inside the box before crossing perfectly for Ireland to rattle home.