Manchester City vs. Sunderland: Final score 2-2, Late Nasri goal sinks Sunderland’s hopes of survival

It looked as though Sunderland were making a bid for Premier League survival. Two goals from Conor Wickham in 10 minutes put the Black Cats ahead -- until Vito Mannone gave away the equalizer by allowing Samir Nasri’s shot to wiggle beneath his fingers. The 2-2 draw helps no one, with Sunderland likely still consigned to The Championship next season, and Manchester City likely just throwing away their chances at the title.

City got off to a great start, scoring before two minutes were even up. Sergio Agüero picked up the ball in midfield, sending it out wide to the right. Álvaro Negredo wisely laid off to allow Fernandinho to pick up, completely throwing off the Sunderland defense. Fernandinho turned, catching Vito Mannone out of position as he fired past the near post.

Five minutes later, John O’Shea missed a golden chance to equalize. Adam Johnson’s corner fell perfectly for the defender, but he somehow managed to place his header wide.

Then it was City’s turn to miss a chance to add to their goal tally. Agüero put in a sharp shot from distance, forcing Mannone to palm the ball away. It fell for Pablo Zabaleta, who probably should’ve taken the chance to go for goal himself, but instead headed on for Fernandinho. This time the Brazilian couldn’t control his shot, sending it well over the bar.

Just to make things even more amusing, Captain O’Shea missed again, and again it was from a corner. This time his header crashed into the top of the net, keeping the hosts’ lead intact.

The hosts were back dominating again early in the second half, but failed once more to capitalize on their chances. About 10 minutes after the restart, Kun sent in a powerful shot, which once again Mannone was forced to push away. Despite an abundances of City players nearby, they failed to capitalize.

Instead it was Sunderland with the equalizer, with 15 minutes left to go. Emmanuele Giaccherini, on just five minutes before for Seb Larsson, took the ball up the left. His cross fell to Conor Wickham, lurking near the far post. The forward hit his shot on the volley, leaving Joe Hart stranded.

City were left ruing their missed chances even more when Wickham doubled his side’s lead after less than 10 minutes. The Black Cats caught Manchester City out on the break, completely exposing their fragile defense -- and Hart’s regrettable goalkeeping. Again it was Giaccherini who created the goal, zipping up the left once more after a City corner. Again Wickham went to the near post, where Hart was completely unprepared to deal with his shot.

But the award for worst goalkeeping in this match goes to Vito Mannone, who allowed City to equalize with just two minutes left to go. Stevan Jovetić pulled back to allow Samir Nasri a chance from the edge of the area. It looked like Mannone would be able to deal with the strike, but the ball wiggled out from underneath the keeper’s fingers and rolled -- seemingly in slow motion -- into the back of the net.

Goals: Fernandinho (2’), Nasri (88’)

Goals: Wickham (73’, 83’)