Dutch born Ghanaian forward Brian Brobbey made Sunderland history by scoring the club’s first Premier League hat-trick since Jermain Defoe in 2016, but it was not enough to prevent a 5-3 defeat to Manchester City.
Brobbey produced a memorable individual performance at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, scoring three times as Sunderland twice fought back against the Premier League leaders.
The 24-year-old striker struck in the 12th minute to cancel out Enzo Fernández’s early opener before scoring again in the 33rd minute after Rayan Cherki had restored City’s lead.
Brobbey completed his hat-trick in the 59th minute, reducing the deficit to 4-3 and giving Sunderland hope of completing a remarkable comeback.
But City’s attacking strength eventually proved decisive.
Antoine Semenyo scored twice for the hosts, while Erling Haaland added a late fifth goal to seal a thrilling victory for Manchester City.
The result extended City’s perfect start to the Premier League season, while Sunderland were left to reflect on a match in which their attacking play offered plenty of encouragement despite the defeat.
For Brobbey, however, the afternoon will be remembered for a historic personal milestone.
His three goals made him the first Sunderland player to score a Premier League hat-trick since Defoe achieved the feat in 2016.
The Dutch born of Ghanaian decent provided a bright moment for Ghanaian football supporters, with his Ghanaian heritage adding another layer of interest to an already remarkable individual display.
Sunderland’s defeat may have ended in disappointment, but Brobbey’s hat-trick ensured the Black Cats left Manchester with a performance to remember.
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