10 Times Sunderland Defied All Footballing Logic

5. Sunderland 1-0 Manchester City

Sunderland's manager Paolo Di Canio, center, celebrates with David Vaughan, right, after scoring his goal during their English Premier League soccer match against Newcastle United at St James' Park, Newcastle, England, Sunday, April 14, 2013. (AP
SCOTT HEPPELL/AP

New Year's Day, 2012. With Manchester United suffering a shock defeat to Blackburn, noisy neighbours Manchester City had the opportunity to move three points clear at the top of the Premier League. All that stood in their way was a trip to face a distinctly average Sunderland side, who sat in 13th place.

What unfolded was both illogical and entertaining. Though the home side had their chances, Manchester City had amassed a total of 25 attempts on goal - hitting the woodwork on more than one occasion. They pressed and pressed and pressed for a winner, which came back to haunt them.

In the 93rd minute, Sunderland found themselves with a rare opportunity to throw numbers forward, having won the ball from Manchester City, who had overcommitted in hope of a last-gasp winner.

Enter the unknown substitute Ji Dong-Won...

Stephane Sessegnon slid a ball into the young Korean (who was a clearly offside, by the way). He then rounded England's number one goalkeeper Joe Hart, before prodding into an empty net. The place went barmy.

Not that it mattered in the end for Manchester City, who themselves clinched the league title later in the year with a stoppage time goal. Everybody won in the end...

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Contributor

Journalism student hopping between London and the North-East. Boxing enthusiast and Football Manager addict. Was diagnosed with supporting Sunderland AFC as a child.