This moment separates the sides. Classy finish.

Image source, Reuters

Image source, Getty Images

Sergio Aguero drops right back out of the area as Manchester City build. It's neat and intricate, no surprise David Silva is in there mixing things up. Short, tippy, tappy. Sunderland have clearly been drilled on how to defend this as they are in a tight block. It works for them as a forced pass leads to a goal kick. 

Do they deserve it? Probably not.

More possession for sure, but the gusto Sunderland have shown, coupled with a few decent attacks into City's final third mean for me, that goal was a little harsh.

Still, Manuel Pellegrini will not care. Pep, if you're watching, tweet me on #bbcfootball with any thoughts.

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"OH CITY WE LOVE YOU," comes the chant.

There was one moment of panic in the aftermath of that opener as Sergio Aguero stayed down and needed treatment. Back in the thick of it now though - sorry Sunderland fans.

Yann M'Vila pressures David Silva in midfield and gives him a nudge, much to the pleasure of the home crowd. It works, Silva's pass is poor and Gael Clichy has to size nine one forward. 

No doubting the commitment on show but as of yet, neither side has summoned quality.

I've been impressed with Patrick van Aanholt. Again he shows awareness as a high ball comes his way in the area. A neat flick to take it away from Jesus Navas gets the job done.

Match of the Day presenter Steve Wilson wanted to clarify how Sunderland were going to line up tonight. Who better to ask than Big Sam? And the Sunderland manager was more than happy to oblige - even sketching it all out for Steve.

"SERGIO, SERGIO," sing the away fans. Their man Aguero has just had a run at the Sunderland back three and lashed one wide of the near post from range. It was travelling and Vito Mannone was worried enough to dive.

Patrick van Aanholt has been in fine form of late and has a surge down the left, great work, can he cross? No, corner.

A huge roar as the ball comes in and Joe Hart dives at it, two fists, big punch. This home crowd are game. You get the sense the Sunderland players know there's a bit of hope pouring from the stands.

A heart-in-mouth moment for debutant Lamine Kone as he turns the ball toward his own goal from a cross, well held by Vito Mannone, it was routine.

It's a good start by Manuel Pellegrini's men. An early corner is cleared but they win the ball back with ease and this home crowd are urging their players to hassle the visitors.

Gael Clichy shows two men a clean pair of heels with a nice shimmy. There's a gasp around the ground, that was slick.

Image source, Getty Images

This is of course the first game Manchester City contest without the injured Kevin De Bruyne.

The Belgium international will miss around 10 weeks with a knee injury.

He'll be a miss as he's scored five league goals and created nine.

"Wheeey" cry the home crowd as Gael Clichy makes an early blunder, throw in Sunderland.

Jeremain Lens sports a cracking haircut. There must be 53 lines shaved into his head.

Steve Wilson
BBC Match of the Day commentator at the Stadium of Light

Image source, Reuters

"The timing of the announcement that Manuel Pellegrini is to be replaced by Pep Guardiola next season comes as the Chilean boss prepares for his 100th Premier League game in charge. He has a higher win percentage (64.6%) than any manager who has lasted so long, other than Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho.

"Pellegrini will be remembered fondly at City as their first manager since Joe Mercer to win two trophies in one season, and may top that with three or even four this term.

"They have already enjoyed two 4-1 wins over Sunderland this season - but Sam Allardyce has been busy in the market and his team should provide more spirited resistance than Villa managed in the FA Cup."

You can watch highlights with Steve Wilson commentating at 22:45 GMT on BBC One.

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So it's handshakes and pleasantries as the Premier League anthem rings around this stadium. More bums on seats now. 

Manchester City could be top tonight. Sunderland could be buried in a world of trouble.

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Yaya Toure steps into the tunnel and is instantly flanked by two young mascots. He gets a pat on the back from Manchester City assistant manager Brian Kidd. Here comes Joe Hart. "Work, work, work, whole game," he says.

"Are your family here, your mam and dad?" John O'Shea asks a mascot.

"WHOLE GAME, WHOLE GAME," screams Hart.

Sunderland's new faces may not quite grasp just how often the club battles relegation, but hopefully they do understand the nostalgia that surrounds this north-east club.

Tonight's match programme has an old, historic feel to it. Who knows, maybe 50 years from now Lamine Kone will be sketched on the cover.

Image source, Sunderland FC

The pitch is clear of players. Sergio Aguero made the night for a few ball boys by executing a high-five as he ran past them on his way to the tunnel.

Not a full house yet, there are probably 20,000 in the stadium and some 30,000 woolen hats.