SUNDERLAND kept their faint hopes of securing European football alive – and they damaged Everton’s own chances.
Regis Les Bris’ men were rewarded for a battling display at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, taking a crucial three points into the final week of the season.
Sunderland completed a comeback at Everton to keep their chances of European football next season alive Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
The home side had taken the lead but faltered after the break – never hitting top gear Credit: Reuters
Enzo Le Fee struck a late winner for the Black Cats, meaning that it is all to play for as they prepare to host Chelsea on the last day next Sunday.
Sunderland will fight Brighton, Brentford, Bournemouth, Everton, and Chelsea with spots in the Conference and Europa League both up for grabs.
That is after Merlin Rohl’s deflected effort in the first half was cancelled out by the northeast fighting spirit.
The German struck just before the break after a non-event of an opening 45 in which Les Bris’ visitors had been the better side.
Sunderland started the second half on top as well, to the frustration of the home crowd.
And when Iliman Ndiaye wasted a two-on-one counter attack to try and double the undeserved lead, the atmosphere became tense.
Sunderland sensed their chance and Brian Brobbey took it.
He fired in an equaliser, lethally capitalising on a Jake O’Brien mistake.
Enzo Le Fee scored the crucial second Credit: Reuters
That spurred Everton into their best spell with Robin Roefs finally called into action and pressure more sustained.
But Le Fee wriggled into space and converted to send the away fans into raptures.
Roefs then pulled off maybe the most important save of his career as O’Brien’s close range header was denied from point blank range.
Wilson Isidor made that stunning stop even more crucial when he added a third at the back post.
Their dream return to the top flight continues.
More to follow…
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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