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Tag: SUNDERLAND

  • EPL: Arsenal lead by nine points after beating Sunderland

    EPL: Arsenal lead by nine points after beating Sunderland

    Viktor Gyokeres scored twice as Arsenal comfortably beat Sunderland to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table to nine points.

    The Gunners looked like they were going to be frustrated by a well organised Sunderland defence before Martin Zubimendi’s excellent strike beat Robin Roefs, after hitting the post.

    Sunderland did cause problems, with Brian Brobbey unsettling the Arsenal backline with his physicality and the forward had a shot cleared off the line by Kai Havertz after keeper David Raya fumbled a long ball into the area.

    Declan Rice and Havertz went close with curling strikes before substitute Viktor Gyokeres slammed the ball into the net after being teed up by Havertz in the 66th minute.

    The Swedish international scored his second in stoppage time after Gabriel Martinelli rolled the ball across the box and Gyokeres finished into an empty net.

    After Aston Villa’s draw with Bournemouth and Manchester City not in action until Sunday afternoon, the victory adds more pressure on Arsenal’s title rivals.

    BBC

  • Sunderland dramatically end Arsenal’s winning run

    Sunderland dramatically end Arsenal’s winning run

    Brian Brobbey scored a dramatic late equaliser as Arsenal conceded their first goals since September and had to settle for a point against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

    The Black Cats have been a breath of fresh air on their return to the top flight and rose to the challenge of facing a side who had won their past 10 games across all competitions.

    Sunderland were rewarded for an impressive first-half display when Daniel Ballard – who came through the Arsenal academy – drove in the opener as the visitors let in a goal for the first time in 812 minutes.

    Arsenal came out stronger in the second half and equalised when Declan Rice won the ball in midfield and it was worked to Bukayo Saka, who squeezed in a right-foot shot at the near post.

    Read Also: EPL: Brobbey’s late strike denies Arsenal victory at Sunderland

    Martin Zubimendi struck the woodwork with a fierce effort as Arsenal pushed for a winner, which they thought they had got when Leandro Trossard sent a superb 20-yard finish into the top left corner.

    But the hosts did not give up and, after David Raya denied Brobbey, the substitute was not to be denied when another chance came his way to be the Sunderland hero.

    He hooked a shot into the back of the net in the fourth minute of stoppage time to spark delighted celebrations on Wearside.

  • EPL: Brobbey’s late strike denies Arsenal victory at Sunderland

    EPL: Brobbey’s late strike denies Arsenal victory at Sunderland

    Brian Brobbey scored a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser as Arsenal conceded their first goals since September, settling for a 2–2 draw against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

    The Black Cats impressed on their Premier League return, matching an Arsenal side that had won their previous 10 games in all competitions.

    Sunderland took a deserved first-half lead through Daniel Ballard — a product of Arsenal’s academy — ending the visitors’ remarkable 812-minute run without conceding.

    Arsenal responded strongly after the break, with Declan Rice winning possession in midfield to launch a move finished by Bukayo Saka, who fired in at the near post.

    Read Also:UCL: Arsenal win in Prague to match 122-year club record

    Martin Zubimendi later struck the woodwork before Leandro Trossard seemed to have sealed victory with a brilliant 20-yard finish into the top corner.

    But Sunderland refused to give up. After David Raya initially denied Brobbey, the substitute struck again in the fourth minute of stoppage time to earn a dramatic point and send the home fans into wild celebration.

    The draw leaves Arsenal seven points clear at the top of the table — a gap that could narrow when second-placed Manchester City host Liverpool on Sunday. Sunderland remain unbeaten at home, climbing to third place with the result.

  • EPL: Talbi scores late winner as Sunderland stun Chelsea

    EPL: Talbi scores late winner as Sunderland stun Chelsea

    Sunderland moved into second place in the Premier League as winger Chemsdine Talbi scored a 94th-minute winner to stun Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

    Regis le Bris’ side were on the brink of earning a valuable point in west London, but snatched all three when Talbi converted from the edge of the box after a quick counter-attack.

    The victory – Sunderland’s first on the road this season – was all the more remarkable given Chelsea had taken an early lead when Alejandro Garnacho scored his first goal for the club with a fine solo effort.

    Sunderland levelled through Wilson Isidor, who netted from close range for his fourth goal of the season following Chelsea’s failure to clear their lines from a long throw.

    The Black Cats were less adventurous in the second half, seemingly content to settle for a point against the Club World Cup champions.

    But the home side struggled to create clear-cut chances and over-committed numbers in the search of a winner.

    Sunderland expertly exploited the space left in Chelsea’s half as substitute Brian Brobbery latched on to a long ball, held up possession and laid off for Talbi to score a famous winner.

    The win means the Black Cats move into second place, two points behind leaders Arsenal having played a game more than the Gunners.

    Chelsea, who would have gone second with a victory of their own, slip to seventh behind London rivals Tottenham.

  • EPL: Sunderland beat West Ham on Premier League return

    EPL: Sunderland beat West Ham on Premier League return

    Sunderland made a winning start to their first Premier League campaign since 2016-17 as they deservedly beat West Ham at a raucous Stadium of Light.

    Eliezer Mayenda, who scored in the Championship play-off final in May, nodded substitute Omar Alderete’s delivery into the corner shortly after the hour mark to spark wild scenes of jubilation among the home supporters.

    It was another play-off hero who doubled Sunderland’s lead as Dan Ballard – who rescued Regis le Bris’ team in the semi-final first leg against Coventry – guided his header into the corner.

    And Wilson Isidor put the icing on the cake in added time, beating Hermansen with a well-placed shot into the far corner.

    The two teams were welcomed by a cauldron of noise before Sunderland’s first top-flight game in eight years, and fans had plenty to shout about after kick-off as both teams went close in a lively opening.

    Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs did well to save West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen’s shot from a tight angle, while Mads Hermansen deflected a fierce Habib Diarra drive over the crossbar at the other end not long afterwards.

    Read Also: Awoniyi gets more plaudits over display against Sunderland

    The Hammers sought to turn the screw as the first half progressed and were denied an opener when Ballard produced a magnificent sliding clearance from El Hadji Malick Diouf’s goal-bound shot.

    The early stages of the second half were more subdued, but with the Hammers struggling to pose a threat in the final third, the hosts began to grow in confidence and the lively Diarra sent a powerful shot over the bar from just outside the area.

    It was a warning West Ham failed to heed, as Mayenda steered a well-placed header past Hammers debutant Hermansen to open the scoring, before Ballard and Isidor added gloss to the scoreline on a memorable afternoon for Le Bris and his players.

  • Millions pay tribute as ‘superhero Bradley goes home

    Millions pay tribute as ‘superhero Bradley goes home

    The mother of Bradley Lowery has paid an emotional tribute to her ‘superhero in the sky’ as thousands of people gathered for the funeral of the youngster whose brave battle with neuroblastoma inspired millions.

    Crowds in football shirts lined the streets of Blackhall Colliery, his home village in County Durham, with hundreds of others around the country wearing their teams’ colours to remember the six-year-old’s love of the game.

    The youngster fought bravely against the childhood cancer and his friendship with Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe touched the hearts of football fans around the world.

    Bradley’s coffin was brought to the ceremony in a glass carriage, pulled by two white horses decked out in the colours of Bradley’s beloved Sunderland football team.

    A line of Bradley’s favourite superheroes – including Batman, Spiderman and Captain America – saluted as the little coffin was carried into St Joseph’s church by family and friends.

    Family and friends in ‘Bradley forever’ football shirts carried the youngster’s coffin into St Joseph’s Church, as superheros saluted. His coffin was decorated with the Stadium of Light, the football ground at which he was a mascot in the final months

    England and former Sunderland star Jermain Defoe, who struck up a close friendship with Bradley over recent months, was among the mourners at the church for an emotional service this morning

    The Sunderland fan’s courageous fight against childhood cancer neuroblastoma won him a legion of fans around Britain

    Ahead of the service, Elvis Presley’s ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’, a Sunderland anthem, played out to the masses of people who had gathered outside to pay their respects.

    Bradley’s mother Gemma Lowery read a poem which included the line: ‘We will meet again – our superhero up in the sky’.

    Defoe wore one of his England shirts to the emotional service, with ‘Bradley 6′ emblazoned on the back.  He wept as he left the church and got into a waiting car ahead of a private ceremony at a nearby crematorium.

    Sunderland players John O’Shea, Lee Cattermole, Vito Mannone and ex-manager David Moyes were also among those packed into St Joseph’s Catholic Church.

    Bradley’s family had suggested that those unable to make the public ceremony could wear the colours of their favourite team to work and school, and make a £1 donation to the Bradley Lowery Foundation.

    In response, hundreds took to social media using the hashtag #CancerHasNoColours, and shared pictures of themselves in their kits, representing clubs from across English football and beyond.

    Bradley died of neuroblastoma, a rare cancer, a week ago, after a long battle which captured the hearts’ of football players and fans across the country.

  • Sunderland fan Bradley Lowery succumbs to cancer

    Sunderland fan Bradley Lowery succumbs to cancer

     

    Young Sunderland fan Bradley Lowery has passed away following a battle with cancer.

    Bradley, aged six, was diagnosed with a neuroblastoma in 2013 and the Lowery family were informed their son’s condition was terminal in December 2016.

    Following this news, Bradley appeared as mascot for his beloved Sunderland on numerous occasions and also for the England national team for March’s World Cup qualifier against Lithuania, when he entered the field alongside his favourite player Jermain Defoe.

    A statement on the Bradley’s Fight Facebook page read: “He was our little superhero and put the biggest fight up but he was needed elsewhere. There are no words to describe how heart broken we are.”

    Sunderland also released a statement, paying tribute to Bradley, who “captured the hearts and minds of everyone at our club with his indomitable spirit, tremendous courage and beautiful smile, which could light up even the darkest of rooms.”

    The statement also acknowledged his “special relationship” with Defoe, who was described as “heartbroken”.

    “Despite battling neuroblastoma for much of his all too short life, he demonstrated a bravery and fortitude beyond his years that humbled us all. He was truly an inspiration,” the statement read.

    “His heart-warming friendship with players and staff alike epitomised the impact this wonderful little boy had on everyone he met. He had a special relationship with Jermain Defoe and their feelings for each other were evident for all to see. Jermain, naturally, is heartbroken.”

    Defoe was brought to tears when discussing Bradley’s condition a day earlier, following news that the boy had fallen into an unresponsive state.

    Speaking at his first press conference since signing for Bournemouth, Defoe said: “He will always be in my heart for the rest of my life. There isn’t a day that goes past when I don’t wake up and check my phone or think about little Bradley.

    “His love is genuine and I can see it in his eyes when he looks at me.”

    Sunderland’s statement added: “Bradley’s story not only touched our club and our fans, but also the wider football community. Football can be a powerful force for good and our sport came together to embrace Bradley’s fight in a unique way.

    “We would like to extend our sincere thanks to every club and fan who supported Bradley in recent months and showed such warmth and kindness to the Lowerys – we are truly grateful.”

  • Anichebe set for Sunderland return

    Anichebe set for Sunderland return

     
    Nigeria international Victor Anichebe could be back in the Sunderland squad ahead of schedule and help in their relegation fight according to his latest social media post.

    The 28-year-old sustained a knee ligament damage in the Black Cats’ 2-0 defeat to West Bromwich Albion in January.

    Anichebe who has been initially ruled out for 10 weeks, is in contention for a return to David Moyes’ team after just seven weeks on the sideline.

    The Nigerian has netted three times in 11 league games this season and indicated that he could be back in action sooner than expected for the Black Cats who have only secured a win in eight league outings.

    “So I’m 7 weeks down and I’ve had a really productive week working with Bill Knowles @yscsports,” Anichebe wrote on Instagram.

    “Here I’m using the @tocafootball machine which is a pretty cool piece of equipment. It’s the first time really touching the ball as I’m sure you can see from a couple of my touches but this is the 4th set (to my friends that will comment something stupid. I could probably name the culprits prior….don’t bother I already know…ok) Anyway…

    “I’m getting the confidence back slowly but surely…thanks for the support and messages always.”

  • Terminally ill Sunderland fan gets heroes visit

    Terminally ill Sunderland fan gets heroes visit

     

     

    Young Sunderland fan Bradley Lowery fell asleep cuddling Jermain Defoe as the club continue to support the cancer-stricken kid.

    Bradley, 5, suffers from Neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer, and has been cared for by his favourite team on a number of occasions this season.

    And on Thursday a group of Sunderland players, including Defoe, Sebastian Larsson, John O’Shea and Vito Mannone, stopped by to see him in hospital and offer him a hug.

    ‘Bradley is doing well and has cheered up after having some very special visitors,’ his family wrote on his Facebook page.

    Bradley was diagnosed with cancer in 2013 and last year more than £700,000 was raised to pay for treatment in the US, including a donation of £200,000 from Everton.

    His family however were later told his cancer had unfortunately spread and that treatment would only help give the youngster more time.

    The footballing world has come together in support of Bradley’s plight, with fans and players from all clubs keen to show their support for the youngster.

    The five-year-old has had the pleasure of leading out the Sunderland team at the Stadium of Light, and has struck up a strong bond with the club’s star striker Defoe, as well as meeting players and managers around the league including Pep Guardiola, Romelu Lukaku and Asmir Begovic.

  • Sunderland score 2 penalty kicks to hold visiting Liverpool

    Two Jermain Defoe penalty kicks meant hosts Sunderland twice came from behind on Monday to earn a point against second-placed Liverpool.

    The Reds took a deserved lead when Daniel Sturridge flicked in a header after Dejan Lovren’s mishit shot.

    Sunderland equalised six minutes later as Defoe scored from the spot following Ragnar Klavan’s trip on Didier Ndong, before Sadio Mane put the visitors back ahead with a close-range finish.

    However, Mane then handled in his own 18-yard box and Defoe converted the penalty kick to snatch an unlikely point.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the result leaves Liverpool five points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea, who play their game in hand on Wednesday at Tottenham.

    However, Reds boss Jurgen Klopp will surely see it as two points dropped after his side led twice, had 71 per cent of the possession and had 15 shots on target.

    Only an inspired performance from Black Cats keeper Vito Mannone denied Liverpool further goals, before Mane needlessly stuck out an arm to block Seb Larsson’s free-kick, costing his side dearly.

    To make things worse for Liverpool, Sturridge, who scored only his second Premier League goal of the season, limped off late on after clashing with Papy Djilobodji.

    Meanwhile, 10-man Manchester City moved up to third as they withstood a spirited Burnley fightback in front of a relieved Etihad Stadium.

    Fernandinho was dismissed towards the end of an even first half for a two-footed challenge on Johan Gudmundsson.

    But the hosts improved after the break as Gael Clichy squeezed home a shot before Sergio Aguero, on as a substitute, fired home from a tight angle.

    Ben Mee smashed home via the underside of the bar shortly after, but Burnley could not force a leveller in spite of a fine chance for Andre Gray late on.

    Beginning the day 10 points behind leaders Chelsea, anything less than victory would have prompted some to begin reading the last rites on City’s title challenge.

    As it is, Pep Guardiola’s side will look at the league table with renewed optimism as they closed to within two points of second-place Liverpool.

    In addition, one and possibly both of Chelsea and Tottenham to drop points when they face each other on Wednesday.(NAN)