Frank Lampard proved just how important he is for City as he saved City's blushes after a spirited Sunderland comeback. Super Frank scored the winner in a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Black Cats.

In the first half Sunderland managed to repel every City attack but it was the second half which sprung to life.

Receiving the ball on the left hand edge of the penalty area, Clichy slipped a pass inside to Jovetic, who laid it off to Yaya Toure. The City captain let rip a shot from the edge of the area, for his seventh goal in the past nine games.

Jovetic then turned home Gael Clichy’s low cross in style to give the hosts a well deserved second.

Former City midfielder Rodwell then came back to haunt his old side, doing well to glance his header into the far corner to make it 2-1.

Billy Jones then went down under the challenge from Pablo Zabaleta after Ricky Alvarez did well to wriggle free. Referee Roger East pointed to the spot, and it was former City winger Johnson who also struck against his former side to draw Sunderland level.

But having just signed a new contract keeping him at the Etihad until the end of the season, it was fitting Lampard put City in front again and seal the win.

The former Chelsea man rose well to plant his header into the bottom corner, ensuring Sunderland were only level for all of two minutes.

City had an incredible 12 shots on target, more than any other team in the Premier League.

Photo: Action Images

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