City face Sunderland at the Etihad tomorrow, almost exactly a decade after the same opponents were there at the beginning of the Pep Guardiola era.
Much has changed since 13 August 2016. Guardiola left City this summer after 10 years in charge, and Enzo Maresca has succeeded him.
Sunderland were Guardiola’s first Premier League opponents as City manager, with City eventually winning 2-1 at the Etihad.
Sergio Aguero converted a fourth-minute penalty after Raheem Sterling was brought down by Patrick van Aanholt. Jermain Defoe equalised for David Moyes’ side with 19 minutes remaining, before Sunderland debutant Paddy McNair inadvertently turned Jesus Navas’ cross into his own net three minutes from time.
Sunderland were there at the start for Guardiola
There were some notable decisions from City’s new manager straight away. Willy Caballero started ahead of Joe Hart, while John Stones and Nolito made their City debuts.
“We are here to create something,” Guardiola said afterwards. “We have to create a team with a soul.”
Guardiola remained at City for a decade, winning six Premier League titles and the club’s first Champions League before leaving at the end of last season.
Sunderland disappeared from the Premier League for much of that period. They were relegated at the end of Guardiola’s first season, subsequently dropped into League One and did not return to the top flight until 2025.
They finished seventh last season and qualified for the Europa League. City beat them 3-0 at the Etihad in December but were held to a 0-0 draw at the Stadium of Light on New Year’s Day.
Now it is Maresca preparing City to face them.
The new manager has won his opening four Premier League games but believes Sunderland could provide his toughest test of the season so far on Sunday.
Guardiola’s first Premier League game and one of Maresca’s earliest both come against Sunderland at the Etihad. Ten years apart, they belong to very different periods in City’s history.
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