Enzo Fernández scored his first Manchester City goal with a disguised free kick on Sunday, September 20, 2026, helping his side secure a 5-3 victory over Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium. The strike propelled manager Enzo Maresca’s team to five wins from five matches to start the Premier League season.
Enzo Fernández Opens Account With Disguised Free Kick
The Etihad Stadium witnessed a chaotic opening sequence on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, 10:58 a.m. ET as Manchester City hosted Sunderland in an eight-goal thriller. Just nine minutes into the contest, Enzo Fernandez opened the scoring by standing over a set-piece on the edge of the 18-yard box.
Though the wide position typically invited a cross into the penalty area, the Argentina international instead whipped a shot into the near post. Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs was caught out by the delivery, unable to keep the ball from crossing the line.
The strike marked the midfielder’s first goal since joining City from Chelsea. Fernandez has slotted directly into the starting lineup under Enzo Maresca, his former coach at Chelsea, starting three straight league matches.
An Eight-Goal Thriller at the Etihad Stadium
Fernandez’s early breakthrough ignited a wild first half that produced five goals before the interval. Sunderland refused to fold, twice drawing level as an impressive visiting side tested the champions.
City countered through Rayan Cherki’s low finish and a powerful effort from Antoine Semenyo just two minutes before halftime.
After the restart, Semenyo struck again to extend the lead. Though Sunderland threatened through Brobbey’s third goal and a late scramble cleared off the line by Ruben Dias, Erling Haaland sealed the 5-3 victory nine minutes from time by sliding in to convert a cross from Josko Gvardiol.
Record Deadline Day Transfer and Chelsea Exit
The goal comes after a turbulent departure from Stamford Bridge. Fernandez moved across the Premier League on the summer transfer deadline day, joining Manchester City in a record deal reported at $168 million (€145 million), matching joint-British-record figures valued at £125 million.
His agent, Javier Pastore, confirmed that the player had pushed for the move after considering an exit for several months. The midfielder previously caused controversy by expressing a desire to live in Madrid amid links with Real Madrid, prompting Chelsea to suspend him for two matches.
Before the agreement was finalized, Chelsea received two written transfer requests from Fernandez. In the lead-up to his departure, the player reportedly told club officials that he felt he no longer had a relationship with any of his Stamford Bridge teammates
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Table Position and International Break Outlook
The victory keeps City’s perfect record intact, pushing the champions three points clear at the summit of the table. Maresca’s side enters the upcoming international break sitting comfortably at the top of the Premier League standings after five straight wins.
For Fernandez, the transition from a contentious exit in West London to an immediate role in Manchester City’s midfield appears complete. Whether his early integration under Maresca can sustain City’s title defense through the autumn months remains the primary question as domestic action pauses.