'It's really hard to lose' - Hat-trick hero Brian Brobbey left heartbroken despite Sunderland's thrilling clash with Manchester City

Brian Brobbey endured a bittersweet afternoon at the Etihad Stadium, etching his name into the spotlight with a sensational hat-trick that ultimately counted for nothing in the points column. Despite his historic individual performance, the Sunderland forward was left to rue a defensive display that allowed Manchester City to escape with a frantic 5-3 victory.

In a game that will be remembered as a Premier League classic , Brobbey's heroics were not enough to stop the Manchester City juggernaut, as Enzo Maresca’s side secured their fifth consecutive victory of the campaign to remain the only team in the division with a perfect 100 per cent record. Speaking to Sky Sports after the final whistle, the Netherlands international striker could not hide his disappointment at coming away empty-handed despite his sensational treble, admitting: 'It's hard being on the losing side when you're scoring three goals. It's really hard to lose.'