THERE are two things Mick McCarthy hoped wouldn't emerge from Sunderland's second home game of the season: Talk of consecutive Premiership defeats extending to 12 matches under his stewardship, and another hard luck story.

Unfortunately for the Black Cats both were forthcoming last night, as Manchester City departed the Stadium of Light with an unbeaten run intact and McCarthy's men were left wondering where the elusive first point is going to come from.

Defeat for Sunderland, for the second time in four days, was harsh after another encouraging display. But Stuart Pearce's men showed exactly the sort of mettle required in the top-flight, and the predatory instincts which are essential.

For all Sunderland's good work outside the penalty area, they lacked an Andy Cole or Darius Vassell in the final third who could have lifted them off the foot of the table.

Anthony Le Tallec's header four minutes before half-time, when he rose with Richard Dunne in the six yard area, offered the sparse home crowd some hope for a result.

But the damage had already been done. Vassell's perfect toe-poke, after his speed worked him clear of Gary Breen, and Trevor Sinclair's clever finish, had given the visitors the perfect cushion.

And, for all Sunderland's endeavour, in reality City's more polished display in front of goal proved the difference.

The result made a mixed day for Sunderland worse. Having been surprised to learn defensive midfielder Christian Bassila was considering a u-turn on his decision to move to Wearside on the morning, McCarthy was then boosted by the news Andy Welsh could play.

Welsh, sent off for an innocuous challenge on Luis Garcia at Liverpool on Saturday, had his red card rescinded by the Football Association and retained his place on the left wing last night.

The former Stockport County wide-man's confident start to his first campaign at this level has been one of the bright spots for Sunderland - and he showed no fear against former Middlesbrough defender Danny Mills on this occasion.

McCarthy's team selection suggested he was going to attack in a search of his side's first victory of the campaign.

The forward-thinking Le Tallec, making his debut in a red and white shirt following his season-long loan move from Liverpool, partnered Andy Gray in attack, while former City striker Stephen Elliott started on the right flank.

It was a sign McCarthy regarded this contest as the perfect platform for Sunderland to lay defeats to Charlton and Liverpool to rest.

But, after Le Tallec had an effort held by David James during a promising opening by the hosts, it was the visitors who broke the deadlock with a goal against the run of play after ten minutes.

Vassell, a £2.5m signing from Aston Villa this summer, placed his low shot beyond Davis after Joey Barton's through pass split Alan Stubbs and Breen in two.

For all Sunderland's possession, and there was plenty, their forward play never had that extra bit of quality that would have pulled them level.

Le Tallec wasted two fantastic opportunities. First he struck straight at James after being put clean through by Welsh, before getting down to make a mess of a diving header when he had time to take a touch and use his feet.

City, though, looked a threat every time they got near the penalty area. Andy Cole and Vassell's speed had their markers on tenterhooks and it was Cole's determination which led to Sinclair curling a first time, right foot shot low beyond Davis to increase the lead.

The scoreline was rough justice on Sunderland who had the chances to have been level. Elliott and Tommy Miller both had efforts saved by James, while Le Tallec at least reduced the deficit when he headed Welsh's corner beyond England's calamity keeper.

After running himself into the ground, Gray was replaced by Jon Stead at the break and he immediately lifted the Sunderland crowd with his direct running and quick feet.

But, for all Sunderland's hard work, City continued to look far more threatening in front of goal and only Davis' alertness, when he saved Cole's close range shot, kept the North-East outfit in with a shout.

James had to claw a Welsh free-kick away for a corner when it looked like dropping over the line and the busy figure of Dean Whitehead headed a Le Tallec centre wide, as Sunderland closed in on an equaliser.

In the end the leveller didn't materialise and the Black Cats are still without a win adding extra importance to Saturday's trip to fellow promotion boys Wigan.

Sunderland 1 - 2 Manchester City

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