Manchester City thump Sunderland 4-1

City's defensive fragility without the skipper was evident once more, though, as Fabio Borini's effort denied them a clean sheet — the 10th time in the English Premier League they have failed to shut the opposition out when their captain has not been present.

And although Kompany was brought on for his first appearance since November 8 shortly afterwards, that comeback proved to be short-lived as the Belgian was forced off again after appearing to injury himself when he tried to poke the ball away from Borini.