Brian Brobbey's hat-trick for Sunderland in a 5-3 defeat to Manchester City has placed him in an exclusive Premier League club. The Netherlands striker is just the fifth different player to score three goals in a top-flight match his team ultimately lost, a feat not seen since 2007.

Roque Santa Cruz was the last to do it, for Blackburn against Wigan in December 2007. Before that, all other instances occurred in the 1990s: Dwight Yorke for Aston Villa in 1996, Dion Dublin for Coventry in 1995, and Matt Le Tissier, who remarkably did it twice for Southampton in 1993 and 1995.

The rarity of the achievement shows the nature of Sunderland's performance at the Etihad Stadium on 20 September. Despite Brobbey's goals in the 12th, 33rd, and 59th minutes, the team conceded five times. That result leaves Sunderland 14th in the Premier League with four points from their opening five matches. Brobbey is now the club's top scorer this season with three goals from five appearances.

Looking ahead, the focus shifts to the next challenge. The squad will be without the injured Habib Diarra and Romaine Mundle for that match.

Read the full report at bbc.com

Brian Brobbey's future is under scrutiny after his hat-trick performance. Former Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown stated the club would struggle to turn down a huge offer, saying, "These types of deals are always difficult for a club like Sunderland." Tottenham are among the clubs linked with the striker, whose three goals against Manchester City have made him the club's top scorer this season. Sunderland, 14th in the Premier League, have scored six goals and conceded ten.

Sunderland's injury crisis has deepened with defender Dan Ballard suffering a hamstring injury on international duty. Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill confirmed the setback, stating, "It is a hamstring obviously. We will scan it tomorrow." Ballard, who has played every minute for the 14th-placed Black Cats this season, is now a major doubt for the next fixture against Brighton. This follows news that hat-trick hero Brian Brobbey also sustained a hamstring problem while with the Netherlands.

Erling Haaland's 81st-minute goal in Manchester City's 5-3 win on September 20 completed a personal milestone, with the striker confirming he has now scored against all 25 Premier League opponents he has faced. The goal, assisted by Josko Gvardiol, came after a VAR review and ended his previous goalless run against Sunderland. The defeat leaves Sunderland 14th, 11 points behind leaders City.