By Xinhua
London : Manchester City climbed back to third place in English Premier League football as they edged out Sunderland 1-0 at home.
A goal from Stephen Ireland after 67 minutes was enough to give City the three points Sunday night and maintain their perfect Premiership record at the City of Manchester Stadium.
Ireland finished off Darius Vassell’s cross to seal victory for Sven-Goran Eriksson’s side but Sunderland will feel hard done-by after playing the better football for much of the contest.
Danny Collins and Anthony Stokes headed wide in the first half while an unmarked Kenwyne Jones failed to connect properly with an inch-perfect cross in front of the City goal.
City are now just two points behind joint leaders Arsenal and Manchester United, while Sunderland are 15th, one point clear of the relegation zone.