[BBC][Getty Images]As someone who always looks for the positives, I went into the Manchester City game thinking Sunderland could play with freedom. The excellent results against Bournemouth and Liverpool meant a defeat at Etihad Stadium would not be disastrous – especially with the derby against Newcastle looming. That optimism lasted until team news dropped. For the first time this season, I felt genuinely nervous. Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki were both one yellow away from suspension, and Reinildo’s absence sparked fears of a serious injury. Thankfully, all three will be fine for the derby, but the knowledge that one rash challenge could rule them out clearly affected their performances.We lined up in the familiar 5-4-1, with Wilson Isidor and Bertrand Traore returning up front and Lutsharel Geertruida slotting into a reshuffled defence that saw Trai Hume switch to left-back and Nordi Mukiele to the right.From the start, it was obvious the midfield duo were playing within themselves. Without their usual aggression, we could not press City as we have other big sides this season. Instead we sat deep, stayed compact and waited to counter-attack. For half an hour, it worked perfectly: City had plenty of possession but barely threatened, with Dan Ballard outstanding in keeping Erling Haaland quiet.When we did break, our transitions were sharp and purposeful but City’s individual quality told in the end and their quickfire two goals meant the game plan was shredded before half-time.To our credit, Sunderland came out swinging after the break and we looked capable of getting back into it. Pushing forward left gaps though, and City killed the game with a glorious third.With the points gone, protecting Xhaka and Sadiki was the priority and both were sensibly withdrawn, guaranteeing their availability for Newcastle. Playing without their trademark bite had neutered them all afternoon.Late on, Luke O’Nien – making only his second appearance of the season – was sent off for an unnecessary lunge on Matheus Nunes in stoppage time. A needless red that rules him out of vital games once AFCON depletes the squad.The final whistle brought relief more than disappointment. The away end immediately switched to Newcastle chants. Job done: key men preserved, no fresh injuries and eyes already on the derby.Find more from Gavin Henderson at Roker Report