Manchester City defender Nathan Ake has delivered a clear message to his teammates as the Cityzens prepare for their next challenge against Chelsea, insisting that nothing will come easily in the weeks ahead.
After a City goalless draw with Sunderland on New Year’s Day, Ake believes City must be ready for intense battles if they are to maintain momentum and turn strong performances into victories.
City arrived at the Stadium of Light full of confidence and controlled large spells of the contest, yet they were unable to find the breakthrough despite creating a series of clear chances.
Bernardo Silva thought he had given the visitors the lead, only for his effort to be ruled out for offside. Further opportunities followed for Erling Haaland, Savinho, Jeremy Doku and Josko Gvardiol, but Sunderland stood firm in a game that remained finely balanced until the final whistle.
It was a lively encounter, with both sides recording four shots on target and pushing forward whenever possible. Sunderland, backed by a vocal home crowd, showed resilience and energy, reminding City that every point must be earned.
For Ake, the match served as another example of how competitive the league has become, particularly when playing away from home.
The Netherlands international did not shy away from acknowledging the challenge his side faced, stressing that the atmosphere and intensity of games like this are becoming the norm rather than the exception.
City may have dominated possession, but Sunderland’s organisation and determination ensured that the contest remained open and unpredictable.
“You can see with the fans, the way every team battles and plays, every game is going to be tough,” Ake said.
That statement underlined his belief that reputation alone will not secure results for City, even against teams lower down the table. Sunderland’s performance, particularly in defence, forced City to be patient and creative, while also remaining alert at the back.
One of the best chances of the game fell to Gvardiol, whose close-range header was brilliantly kept out by Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs.
The Croatian defender came close again moments later, clipping the outside of the post as City pressed for a late winner. Despite the pressure, Sunderland held on, earning a valuable point and frustrating their high-profile opponents.
For Ake, the missed chances were a source of disappointment, but not despair. City extended their unbeaten run to nine matches in all competitions, a sequence that reflects consistency and resilience, even if the draw felt like a missed opportunity.
The defender was keen to highlight the positives, particularly the attitude and work rate shown by the squad throughout the match.
“It was a tough battle. We knew over here it’s always going to be tough,” he said after the game in his interview with City Studios.
“They have a great record at home. Obviously, disappointing not to get the three points.”
Those words captured the balance between frustration and realism. City had travelled north knowing Sunderland’s home form posed a genuine test, and while the Sky Blues left without a win, they did so having shown commitment and togetherness.
Focus shifts to Chelsea and the need for progress
As attention turns to the upcoming clash with Chelsea, Ake’s comments carry extra weight. Matches against top-six rivals often define a season, and the defender is aware that City will need to be sharper in both boxes if they are to secure maximum points.
The City goalless draw with Sunderland highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in finishing, but it also reinforced the importance of collective effort.
City’s attacking depth remains one of their greatest strengths, with players such as Haaland, Doku and Savinho capable of unlocking even the most stubborn defences.
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Against Sunderland, the chances were there, but the final touch was missing. Ake believes that maintaining belief and persistence is key, especially as the fixtures continue to come thick and fast.
“So yeah, disappointment in the end not to get the three points but we keep going. In the end we have to make sure we keep going. It was good to see everyone fighting for every ball.”
That fighting spirit, according to Ake, will be crucial against Chelsea, a side known for their physicality and pace. City will expect a demanding contest, similar in intensity if not in style to the Sunderland match.
The defender’s warning is clear: success will depend on focus, resilience and the willingness to match opponents’ energy from the first minute.
Chelsea’s visit represents an opportunity for City to respond, to turn control into goals and dominance into victory. Ake’s message to his teammates is not one of panic, but of preparation. The defender understands that the margin for error in the Premier League is small and that complacency can be costly.
