Sunderland 1 : Manchester City 2
13/04/2008 4:04 AM
had been the only change to the side which won at Fulham last weekend.
Phil Bardsley came to the rescue when the ball ricocheted into the path of Michael Johnson with 19 minutes remaining as Sunderland was almost caught on the counter.
But the home side fell behind with 11 minutes remaining when Sturridge went down under Nosworthy's challenge and Elano converted from the spot with ease.
Within three minutes, however, Sunderland was back on level terms when Whitehead smashed Reid's cross past Hart, but the reprieve was short-lived as Vassell sent the travelling fans into raptures.
English Premier League
Sunderland 1 (Whitehead 82)
Manchester City 2 (Elano 79p, Vassell 87)