Sunderland AFC reignited their hopes of European qualification after producing an impressive second-half comeback to defeat Everton FC 3-1 at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The victory lifts Sunderland into ninth place in the Premier League standings, leaving the Black Cats just one point adrift of the top eight heading into the final day of the campaign.
With both sides arriving at the clash on poor recent runs, the opening stages reflected two teams struggling for momentum. Sunderland controlled possession for large spells but lacked penetration, while Everton’s supporters grew increasingly frustrated by the hosts’ passive approach.
The first meaningful opportunity arrived after 35 minutes when James Garner tested Robin Roefs from distance, before the Sunderland goalkeeper produced a far more important save moments later to deny James Tarkowski from close range.
Everton eventually found the breakthrough shortly before half-time in fortunate circumstances. Merlin Röhl cut inside from the right before firing a low effort that deflected heavily off Granit Xhaka and wrong-footed Roefs on its way into the net.
It was Röhl’s first goal in Everton colours and gave David Moyes’ side the advantage at the interval.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically after the restart.
Sunderland raised both their intensity and tempo, while Everton increasingly struggled under pressure. The equaliser eventually arrived after a disastrous touch from Jake O’Brien gifted possession to Enzo Le Fée, who immediately slipped through Brian Brobbey to smash home his seventh goal for the club.
The visitors then completed the turnaround through Le Fée himself. A slick Sunderland move ended with Chris Rigg providing the assist for the French midfielder, whose finish squeezed past Jordan Pickford despite the goalkeeper getting a hand to the shot.
Everton’s afternoon continued to unravel. O’Brien missed a huge chance from point-blank range before eventually being substituted for departing club legend Séamus Coleman, who made what is expected to be his final home appearance for the Toffees.
Sunderland sealed the result late on when Habib Diarra delivered a dangerous low cross across the six-yard box, allowing Wilson Isidor to arrive at the back post and finish comfortably.
The result leaves Everton three points behind the top eight after another disappointing performance against promoted opposition, while Sunderland head into the final round of fixtures full of belief.
A decisive clash now awaits against Chelsea FC on the final day, with European football suddenly within touching distance for Régis Le Bris’s side.
