Sunderland fought back to beat Everton 3-1 at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. This result boosts Sunderland’s hopes of European qualification, as they climbed to ninth in the Premier League.
Everton’s Lead Evaporates
Everton were initially on track to improve their chances of a top-eight finish when Merlin Rohl scored his first goal for the club. Rohl’s goal came via a deflection in the first half. However, the home fans booed the team off after Sunderland’s comeback.
Brian Brobbey equalised for Sunderland in the 59th minute. He finished at the near post after holding off James Tarkowski following a misplaced pass by Jake O’Brien.
Sunderland’s Winning Goals
Enzo Le Fee put Sunderland ahead in the 81st minute, turning home from close range after being teed up by Chris Rigg. Wilson Isidor added a third goal in stoppage time, finishing from Habib Diarra’s low cross.
Between Sunderland’s second and third goals, O’Brien missed a chance to level for Everton. His close-range header from Tyrique George’s cross was too close to Robin Roefs.
European Qualification Hopes
The victory puts Sunderland just one point behind Brentford, who occupy eighth-place after a 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace. Sunderland will host 10th-placed Chelsea on the final day in what could be a European qualification decider.
Everton, in contrast, will head to Tottenham for their final fixture. Their top-eight hopes are almost over, and they sit three points off eighth place in 11th, without a win in six games, after the fans voiced their frustration.
The defeat marked an unhappy final home game for Everton captain Seamus Coleman, who appeared as a late substitute after announcing his departure at the end of the campaign this week.
Sunderland’s first season back in the top flight may yet finish on a high. They were tipped to go straight back down to the Championship.