Manchester City blew a two-goal lead against Sunderland before securing a 3-2 win through Frank Lampard's second-half goal in this afternoon's Premier League clash at the Etihad.
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The hosts dominated from the start, though they were unable to make a quick breakthrough as Yaya Toure blasted a long-range shot over the crossbar.
On the quarter-hour mark, City continued to turn the screw as Toure saw his shot blocked before David Silva collected the ball and fired wide.
Manuel Pellegrini's charges then found themselves temporarily down to 10 men as Pablo Zabaleta was forced off for treatment with blood seeping from under his head bandage.
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The home side struggled to break down their opponents' resolute defence in the first half, Silva deciding to push forward on the half-hour mark and striking a 25-yard shot towards goal that Costel Pantilimon was able to save.
In the second 45 minutes, City were able to break the deadlock when, just before the hour, Toure let rip with an effort from long range that sailed into the net.
Sunderland then appealed for a penalty inside as Silva appeared to foul Will Buckley following a scramble from a corner, but the referee waved play on.
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Stefan Jovetic doubled City's lead midway through the second half when he latched on to Gael Clichy's cross before poking home from close range.
It didn't take long for Sunderland to pull a goal back though, Sebastian Larsson's cross falling to former City man Jack Rodwell, who struck a header into the bottom right corner past Willy Caballero.
The visitors then found themselves level just moments later after Billy Jones won a penalty in the box, with Adam Johnson going on to score from the spot.
However, Lampard spared his side's blushes when the substitute headed home following an attack down the left flank.
Giuseppe Labellarte
