Man City Reassert Title Defence Hopes with Big Win at Sunderland

Manchester City won at Sunderland for the first time in four seasons with goals from Sergio Aguero (2), Stevan Jovetic and Pablo Zabaleta sealing a 4-1 win.

After four successive 1-0 defeats at the Stadium of Light, and without Vincent Kompany and David Silva, Manuel Pellegrini’s men ensured their winning run extended to four matches and kept the pressure on Chelsea at the top of the Premier League table.

This was a win every bit as convincing as the scoreline suggests.

City have moved the ball much more quickly than had been previously this season in their last two matches, and they look much better for it. There’s an intensity about their play that has previously been absent—with sharp passing, work rate and desire underlining their improvement.

After a patchy stretch of form early in the season, City look to have restored confidence with a series of wins, which has seen their league position and their chances of qualifying for the Champions League last 16 improve significantly.

The win over Bayern Munich may have been undeserved, but City’s response has been magnificent, with a comprehensive win away at Southampton followed by their most complete performance of the season at their bogey ground in Sunderland.

Aguero, whose two goals saw him move on to 19 goals in 20 games this season, was at his frightening best, as the Sunderland defence tried and failed to stop him. The sharpness of the Argentine is remarkable. One drop of the shoulder, and he flies past defenders, with a potency in front of goal unrivalled in the Premier League.

This is a player back to his very best after an injury-plagued second half of last season, and without him City may have been out of the title race already. 

"

Sergio Aguero has now scored 30 goals (THIRTY) in his last 33 Premier League games for Man City. Too good. #MCFC pic.twitter.com/1gJDaTuzFz

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) December 3, 2014"

Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Arguably more pleasing for Pellegrini, though, will be the displays of his midfield pairing of Yaya Toure and Fernandinho. Both have struggled somewhat to replicate their form of last season, which was key to City’s success, but there are signs in recent weeks that they are returning to their very best.

Their passing and movement were superb, and no other players in Blue embody the renewed optimism and confidence running through this squad more obviously than those two. 

"

Fernandinho completed 120(!) passes vs. Sunderland, more any player in the Premier League tonight. #MCFC pic.twitter.com/Z173kZKlMj

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) December 3, 2014"

Sunderland were chasing shadows for much of the game, with City seemingly hellbent on paying them back for the four successive defeats they endured in recent seasons all in 90 minutes. The Stadium of Light was almost empty with 10 minutes to go, with City’s dominance driving the home supporters away early.

City can now look forward to welcoming Everton on Saturday before a crucial trip to Rome, which will determine their European prospects next Wednesday.

"

FT: Sunderland 1-4 City. Irresistible from the champions who end the Stadium of Light curse in some style! #safcvcity pic.twitter.com/FhvIxbx5RC

— Manchester City FC (@MCFC) December 3, 2014"

Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Chelsea’s thumping win over Tottenham means they stay six points clear of City, and it’s going to take something special to beat them to the title, but at least Pellegrini’s side now look capable of taking advantage of any potential slip up in West London.

After a difficult first couple of months, City’s season is all of a sudden coming alive at the exact same time it did during the last campaign. If they can match the run of 20 games unbeaten, including 18 wins, they managed during December and January 12 months ago, Chelsea will find themselves in a real fight to win this league.

Rob Pollard is Bleacher Report's lead Manchester City correspondent and will be following the club from a Manchester base throughout the 2014-15 season. All quotes are obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter: @RobPollard.