Le Bris is seeking an instant reaction in derby after defeat

REGIS Le Bris admitted that Manchester City were a step too far for his Sunderland in a run of tough games as they were well beaten at the Etihad on Saturday.

- By SAM ALLEN Football writer

Granit Xhaka challenges Phil Foden at the Etihad Stadium

As Pep Guardiola’s team can often do at their home ground, they blitzed Sunderland with two goals in the space of five minutes in the first half, through defenders Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol, to take a comfortable lead into halftime, which was added to after the break.

The third goal from Phil Foden effectively ended Sunderland’s resistance to the result after one or two bright moments from the visitors, who had taken a point at champions Liverpool in midweek.

Including an intense comeback win at home against Bournemouth last weekend, this last week of football would have taken a lot out of Sunderland, who just could not sustain the high level needed to get a result away against a team like Man City.

And next up is the intensity of a Wear-Tyne derby at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.

Le Bris said: “It was a good experience because it is tough to repeat high performances at this level.