Own-goal helps City beat Sunderland in Guardiola's EPL debut

Manchester City's David Silva, left, and Sunderland's Lynden Gooch in action during their English Premier League soccer match at the Etihad Stadiium, Manchester, England, Saturday Aug. 13, 2016. (Anthony Devlin / PA via AP) (The Associated Press)

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Manchester City's new manager Pep Guardiola reacts after a missed opportunity during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England, Saturday Aug. 13, 2016. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (The Associated Press)

Manchester City's new manager Pep Guardiola applauds during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England, Saturday Aug. 13, 2016. (AP Photo/Jon Super) (The Associated Press)

MANCHESTER, England – Manchester City needed a late own-goal to beat Sunderland 2-1 Saturday in an unconvincing start to Pep Guardiola's management career in the Premier League.

The bookmakers' favorite for the title, City dominated possession and was leading after just four minutes when Sergio Aguero scored from the penalty spot.

But there was no goal rush in its wake as a Sunderland side under new manager David Moyes defended with determination and discipline at Etihad Stadium.

Sunderland's reward came in the 71st when Jermain Defoe latched on to a through-ball to score the equalizer.

But there was a sting in the tail for the visitors in the 87th, when a deflected cross by Jesus Navas struck Sunderland's Paddy McNair on the head and the ball flew into his own net.