Everton 1-3 Sunderland: Black Cats boost European dreams
Sunderland surged back to beat Everton 3-1 at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday, with the Black Cats significantly boosting their hopes of qualifying for Europe.
WATCH — Full match replay
Everton took the lead through Merlin Rohl just before half time and had some chances to double their lead, but Sunderland were the better team in the second half and deservedly drew level after Brian Brobbey made the most of a big mistake from Jake O’Brien.
Enzo Le Fee then made it 2-1 with a fine finish as he donned a Spiderman mask to celebrate with the away fans, and then Wilson Isidor sealed the win in stoppage time as Regis Le Bris’ side came back once again to grab a big win.
The victory moves them on to 51 points for the season, one point off the European spots with a game to go. Everton, who are now winless in six games, stay on 49 points as their hopes of qualifying for Europe are all but over.
Resilient Black Cats ready for final European push
No Premier League team has picked up more points from losing positions than Sunderland this season and the newly-promoted side once again turned a game on its head thanks to resilience, clever subs and ruthlessness on the counter. Le Bris’ side know how to suffer and they were second best in the first half. But they turned the game on its head and are comfortable in playing the game in stages. When they’re behind they go for it and take the game to opponents and try to make the most of counter attacks. Le Bris got his subs spot on with Diarra, Rigg and Isidor injecting energy and incision to their play and that was the difference in securing a huge win. Given that they host a rudderless Chelsea on the final day, while Brentford head to Liverpool and Brighton host Man United, Sunderland have a real chance of qualifying for Europe. The Stadium of Light will be rocking on the final day of the season and Sunderland have absolutely nothing to lose.
What’s next?
Sunderland host Chelsea on the final day, while Everton head to Spurs to finish their season.
Everton vs Sunderland score: 1-3
Rohl 43′; Brobbey 59′, Le Fee 81′, Isidor 90+1′
Everton vs Sunderland live updates! — By Joe Prince-Wright
Isidor seals it!
In stoppage time Sunderland hit Everton on the counter and seal the victory. Substitute Diarra crosses and his fellow sub Isidor is there to finish across goal. 3-1. Game over.
Roefs denies O’Brien with a superb save!
Everton look certain to equalize as a teasing cross is whipped in by George and O’Brien is three yards out but heads the ball straight at Roefs. The Sunderland goalkeeper didn’t know much about it but Roefs still stood tall and the ball hit his shoulder and went over.
Le Fee puts Sunderland 2-1 up late on!
Sunderland shift the ball around nicely and it is played to Enzo Le Fee who bundles the ball home as Pickford can’t keep it out. Le Fee then puts on a Spiderman mask and celebrates wildly in front of the away end. Sunderland are right back in the European hunt.
George and Barry trying to make something happen
Everton have brought on Tyrique George and Thierno Barry to try and win them the game late on. George has looked lively. Everton have to force the issue.
20 minutes to go, who can grab a big win?
Both teams still have big hopes of qualifying for Europe going into the final 20 minutes of this game. Can anyone grab a winner to set themselves up for one big push on the final day next Sunday?
Brobbey equalizes after a poor O’Brien error
Jake O’Brien won’t want to see that again. A high ball drops to him and he tries to play a pass but gets it all wrong and gives it back to Sunderland. Brian Brobbey is played in and shrugs off James Tarkowski, then smashes past Pickford to make it 1-1. Sunderland deserve that equalizer. They’ve been excellent in the second half.
Everton almost get in on the counter
Sunderland have been on top but Everton almost break through on the counter. Dewsbury-Hall sets Ndiaye free on the right and Beto is wide open in the middle, but Ndiaye’s ball is too close to Roefs who collects. Ndiaye will be upset with himself there. That was an easy pass for a player of his quality.
Pickford forced to make a stop
A free kick is clipped in and Jordan Pickford can’t claim it as he comes off his line and into a crowd. The ball drops and Sunderland drill it into the near post but Pickford makes a smart stop and Everton clear. Sunderland pushing hard at the start of the second half.
Rohl puts Everton ahead just before the break!
After cutting inside Merlin Rohl’s shot is on target and takes a huge deflection off Xhaka and loops over Roefs and in. He earned that fortunate, as Everton lead just before half time and that is a big goal for them in their hopes of qualifying for Europe.
Very few chances in the opening 30 minutes
This has been a really tight, tense game so far. Both teams have struggled to get control of the game and there has been a lack of quality with the final pass, cross or shot.
Beto almost gets in
Bright start from the hosts as a cross from the right finds Beto but the ball just skipped up before it reached him and his touch was heavy.
Everton lineup
Pickford; O’Brien, Tarkowski, Keane, Mykolenko; Iroegbunam, Garner; Rohl, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye; Beto
Sunderland lineup
Roefs; Geertruida, Mukiele, Alderete, Reinildo; Xhaka, Sadiki; Hume, Le Fee, Angulo; Brobbey
Everton team news, focus
OUT: Jarrad Branthwaite (thigh), Jack Grealish (ankle – MORE) | QUESTIONABLE: Idrissa Gana Gueye (unspecified)
Sunderland team news, focus
OUT: Dan Ballard (suspension), Romaine Mundle (thigh), Simon Moore (wrist) | QUESTIONABLE: Bertrand Traore (knee)
Everton vs Sunderland preview
David Moyes’ Toffees have a one-point lead on his former club. They’re two points off eighth and four away from seventh.
Regis Le Bris’ Black Cats have one fewer point and the worst goal differential of any team they could catch on the table. The sides drew 1-1 at the Stadium of Light in November, when Iliman Ndiaye put the Toffees up early only for Granit Xhaka to answer after halftime.
Everton vs Sunderland prediction
Sunderland have — perhaps quietly — gone winless in their last four games including a draw at Wolves and a blowout home loss to Nottingham Forest. Jordan Pickford blanking his old team? Quite possible. Everton 1-0 Sunderland
How to watch Everton vs Sunderlandlive, stream link and start time
Kick off time:10am ET Sunday
Venue:Hill Dickinson Stadium — Vauxhall, Liverpool
TV Channel: Peacock
Streaming: Stream live on Peacock
