Pep Guardiola endured a difficult evening at Sunderland(Image: 2026 Getty Images)

Manchester City's failure to beat Sunderland means they are now five points away from Arsenal.

If their 0-0 away draw at the Stadium of Light was not disappointing enough, Pep Guardiola will also have to pore over some new injury setbacks. Nico Gonzalez, who has been operating as Rodri's deputy in the absence of the Spaniard, was taken off and replaced by the Ballon d'Or winner, who was making his return.

Then the in-form Savinho was taken off for Jeremy Doku early in the second half. The two injuries will leave Guardiola leaving anxious, but Gunners fans will be feeling a sense of Schadenfreude.

Against the Black Cats, Guardiola also saw both Erling Haaland and Phil Foden miss presentable chances in the penalty area. They duo have 26 goals between them this season, but neither could beat Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs.

After the match, the City manager said: "It is a mystery, I don’t have the answer to your question. We created a lot against that team, especially in the second half.

"In...