Premier League giants Manchester City forged a 2-1 win over Sunderland in their opening match of the 2016/17 league season. Their new boss Pep Guardiola was making his Premier League debut for the Citizens, and the same case applied to Sunderland’s new signing Paddy McNair.
But it was the own goal from the former Manchester United man on his Sunderland debut that separated the two sides at full-time. Argentine striker Sergio Aguero had given the hosts the lead in the first half. Jermain Defoe equalized for the Black Cats in the 71st minute but McNair’s own goal sealed the win for the Citizens.
3:35 - Paddy McNair scored an own goal just 3 minutes & 35 seconds into his Sunderland debut. McNightmare.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 13, 2016
Paddy McNair (right) comes in as a substitute to replace Jermain Defoe during the Premier League match against Man City
Aguero’s penalty set a record for Manchester City in the Premier League. As things stand right now, City have scored 19 penalties over the last four Premier League seasons, more than any other side in the English top flight. But some fans believed that City’s victory was quite scrappy despite dominating possession. Check out some of the reactions on Twitter:
McNair just saved Pep Guardiola's Job for this season.
— Zoora (@emmaZoora_cmf) August 13, 2016
Pep Guardiola got a lucky win......Paddy had a McMare.....City reminded me of LvG's style of play today........Roll on the #ManchesterDerby
— Man United Hub (@ManUnited_Hub) August 13, 2016
Pep Guardiola starts off with a lucky win.
— Thapelo! (@Thapz_CFC) August 13, 2016
Welcome to the Premier League lad.
Why blame David Moyes for the loss? Did he cause the penalty? Did he cause the own goal? Pep Guardiola side were just lucky. #MCISUN 2-1
— Babatunde Oladehinde (@Tunde2708) August 13, 2016
Actually... David Moyes (is still) = Pep Guardiola #MCISUN MCI got really lucky to come away with 3 points
— Jon Konnor (@Shrien_M) August 13, 2016
Lucky Pep guardiola
— Afoo (@slimnhiyhe) August 13, 2016