The 22-year-old whipped in a precise cross towards Darren Bent, who was roughly brought down by Micah Richards while trying to connect with it in the area.

Consequently, Bent earned a deserved penalty kick that he converted in the dying minutes, to give the Black Cats their maiden Premiership win this season.

It is also their first victory over the Citizens in 10 years.

Elmohamady played the whole 90 minutes and was as combative as ever.

He was deployed as a right-sided midfielder but City's zonal marking relatively limited his trademark tireless running down the flank.

The Egypt ace first tried his luck from distance on six minutes only to see his poor effort go well wide of the mark.

Another drive from Elmohamady also went high over late in the second half.

Throughout the blistering game City were far superior, with Toure and Carlos Tevez wreaking havoc upfront. The latter even had a goal disallowed through offside.

Sunderland in return maintained a sturdy defense most of the game to keep a clean sheet, before bouncing back in the last few minutes to unexpectedly down Roberto Mancini's men.

Elmohamady's performance improved in the dying minutes too. He disturbed the visitors' rearguard and his last cross helped Sunderland settle the tie into their favor.

The highly-rated wide man had made a competitive debut to remember for Sunderland in the 2-2 draw with Birmingham City in the Premier League.

Nonetheless, he was less impressive in the 1-0 loss to Bromwich Albion the next match.

Last week, Elmohamady was kept on the bench in the 2-0 win over lowly side Colchester in the Carling Cup.