Ireland goal sinks Black Cats

Ireland: Winner

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• Manchester City
• Sunderland

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• Stephen Ireland

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• Sven fears for Ireland
• Keane accepts defeat

A brilliant volley from Stephen Ireland secured Manchester City the points with a 1-0 win over Sunderland at Eastlands.

The Republic of Ireland midfielder rifled home a left wing cross from Darius Vassell in the 66th minute to secure City the points which took them up to third place in the Premier League table.

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.

Sunderland, still looking for their first away win, were certainly the better side in a thoroughly forgettable first-half.

Anthony Stokes headed over the best chance of the half after a good cross from Grant Leadbitter.

First gear

Elano embarked on one mazy dribble but failed to test Craig Gordon in the Sunderland goal 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.

With only two points to show for his side's efforts on the road since their summer return to the top flight, Keane must have been delighted to restrict his hosts to such meagre pickings.

City never got out of first gear with Emile Mpenza spurning their best chance, screwing Elano's through ball wide from 15 yards.

After the break Sven Goran Eriksson brought on Vassell for Michael Johnson and the move finally sparked City into life.

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 a sweet right-foot volley at the far post.

Nosworthy was lucky to stay on the pitch late on after a late challenge on Ditmar Hamann.

Sunderland huffed and puffed but in the end, Eriksson's men eased home to maintain their 100 per cent home record.