Manchester City's perfect start to the season faces its sternest examination this afternoon, with Enzo Maresca warning that Sunderland will provide the toughest challenge of his reign so far.

The Blues have won all six of their matches in the 2026-27 campaign, a run that has seen them sweep aside Crystal Palace and Norwich City with ease, while grinding out victories over Coventry City, Manchester United and Bournemouth through sheer character and fighting spirit. Their most complete display came in the Champions League, where they dominated FC Porto at the Estádio do Dragão.

But Maresca is under no illusions about the task awaiting his side at the Etihad Stadium today. Sunderland arrive unbeaten in Europe and fresh from a narrow, unlucky defeat to Arsenal last weekend.

“I know how strong they are, and I have the feeling that on Sunday we need a top performance to beat them, and we need to be 100% to win the game. I watched the game live against Arsenal, and then I watched again the last two days. If you watch the game, you can realize how strong they are. I think personally that they didn’t deserve to lose that game.”

The Black Cats’ midweek Europa League win over AZ Alkmaar was their first European victory in 53 years, and Régis Le Bris’ side will travel to Manchester with confidence coursing through their veins.

“But again, they are very strong, very well coached from their manager. And again, they are already have time together, so you can see what they want to do on the ball and off the ball,” Maresca added.

“My feeling is, after watching them, is that on Sunday it will be the toughest game since the start of the season.”

City’s win at Old Trafford last weekend, achieved with ten men, was worth far more than three points in the eyes of many. It spoke to a resilience that has underpinned this nascent campaign.

Sunderland, physically imposing and well-drilled, possess the quality to cause problems. The feel-good factor around the Stadium of Light is tangible, and they will not be overawed by the trip to Manchester.

For City, there is one more job to do before the international break. Maintaining their winning run going into that pause would represent a strong statement of intent. The FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders have looked every inch a side capable of defending their trophies, but Sunderland offer a different kind of test — one of muscle, organisation and momentum.

Maresca’s side have shown they can win pretty and they can win ugly. This afternoon, they may need to do both.