Sunderland, Jan 2 (NationPress) Manchester City kicked off the new year with a 0-0 stalemate at Sunderland's Stadium of Light. Pep Guardiola’s team missed a chance to close the gap to the Gunners to just two points after this engaging draw.

This result means City has now extended its unbeaten streak in the Premier League to seven matches, remaining four points behind the leaders, Arsenal, as they reach the halfway mark of the season.

Bernardo Silva believed he had scored just five minutes into the match, tapping in a corner that was flicked on by Erling Haaland, but the captain was ruled marginally offside.

Sunderland found their rhythm as the match progressed, yet neither side appeared ready to break the deadlock before halftime.

The second half began with a thrilling moment for City fans, as Rodri made his return to the pitch for the first time since a brief substitute appearance in early November.

The Spaniard initiated a move barely a minute into his return, leading to City’s best chance, but Savinho’s shot from Rayan Cherki’s low cross sailed over the bar.

As the hour approached, Roefs stood firm again when substitute Josko Gvardiol entered the box and directed a header towards goal.

Jeremy Doku and Phil Foden came even closer, only to see their attempts bravely blocked by defenders.

Gvardiol, now often found in the Sunderland box, somehow flicked a cross onto the outside of the post from just 12 yards out.

City pushed hard in the final moments but couldn't find a winner in a classic Premier League contest.

After the match, Man City manager Pep Guardiola stated, “Good. Take the point. The second half was excellent. We missed. We could not score in the six-yard box. How many times were we in the six-yard box against the keeper and could not convert. Of course, the threat they have, they are really good.”