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The interesting moments you may have missed during Sunderland’s clash against Everton at the Stadium of Light
Régis Le Bris’ side came into the game sitting seventh in the table after a remarkable start to life back in the top flight, while the visitors arrived in 15th and were looking to halt an inconsistent run of form.
The atmosphere was electric long before kick-off as Sunderland aimed to make it three league wins on the bounce and continue their push upwards under Le Bris. From subtle touchline reactions to off-camera flashpoints, here are the moments you might have missed:
Pickford and Moyes return to the Stadium of Light
This fixture marked the first time both Jordan Pickford and David Moyes had returned to the Stadium of Light in a sporting capacity since leaving Sunderland. The England regular was given a warm applause before the game during the warm-ups and when his name was read out before the start of the contest. Pickford’s son, Arlo, lead the Everton team out with his father at the Stadium of Light wearing a half Everton half Sunderland shirt.
Pickford, a product of the club’s academy system, rose through the ranks from the age of eight before breaking into the first team in 2016. He made his debut in a 3–1 FA Cup defeat to Arsenal and went on to establish himself as Sunderland’s No 1 during the 2016–17 Premier League campaign. Despite the club’s relegation that season, his performances earned widespread praise and a £25million move to Everton in the summer of 2017 – a record fee for a British goalkeeper at the time.
Moyes, meanwhile, spent the 2016–17 season in charge of Sunderland, overseeing a difficult campaign that ultimately ended in relegation from the Premier League. After departing the club by mutual consent, he went on to manage West Ham United before being appointed Everton boss earlier this year. Both figures were back on Wearside in opposing colours – a reminder of a very different era for Sunderland.
Monday Night Football returns to Wearside
Fast forward nine years, and the picture could hardly be more different. Under Régis Le Bris, Sunderland returned to the Monday night slot as a revitalised, ambitious top-flight side – playing with purpose, identity and belief. The return under the lights felt symbolic too, a reminder of just how far the club has come since those dark days.
Bracewell’s classy Stadium of Light return
Former Sunderland player and coach Paul Bracewell was spotted back at the Stadium of Light. The ex-England international, who enjoyed three separate spells with the Black Cats across his playing and coaching career, was a guest of club legend Jimmy Montgomery after being invited by owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus.
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Bracewell, who also represented Everton and Newcastle United during his playing days, spoke recently about how much the invitation meant to him, saying he was “delighted to be back” and “looking forward to catching up with Monty, Bally and the ex-players.” His return was a classy touch from Sunderland – a reminder of the club’s enduring connection to those who’ve helped shape its history.
Everton’s touching gesture in memory of Bradley Lowery
Before kick-off, there was a poignant reminder of football’s power to unite as Everton donated their mascot experience to support The Bradley Lowery Foundation’s “Cancer Has No Colours” campaign. The Toffees’ gesture meant nine-year-old Sunderland fan Reuben – who bravely fought leukaemia for over two years and is now in remission – led out David Moyes’ side at the Stadium of Light.
It marked another show of class from Everton, who formed a lasting bond with Bradley and his family during the young Sunderland fan’s battle with cancer. Bradley’s parents, Gemma and Carl, were special guests at the match, with Gemma describing the Merseyside club’s continued kindness as “incredible”. Sunderland publicly thanked Everton for the “incredible gesture” on social media – a moment that once again highlighted how both clubs continue to honour Bradley’s legacy with dignity, compassion and genuine friendship.
One of the most touching moments of the night came in the ninth minute, when both sets of supporters united to applaud young Anna Rode, a brave Sunderland fan currently battling cancer. The round of applause was impeccably observed around the Stadium of Light, a moment of pure class that transcended rivalry.
In a further act of solidarity, the Everton fans responded with a spontaneous chant for Bradley. It was a beautiful gesture that reminded everyone why football can be so special – moments like this go far beyond the result. The applause, the chant, and the shared respect between the two sets of supporters created a genuinely emotional scene on Wearside.
Régis Le Bris names unchanged team to face Everton
Le Bris kept faith with the side that stunned Chelsea last weekend – naming an unchanged Sunderland XI to face Everton under the lights at the Stadium of Light. The decision meant Lutsharel Geertruida retained his place after an impressive full debut at Stamford Bridge, with the French head coach once again opting for a back five.
Omar Alderete remained sidelined as he continued to recover from concussion, but there was a welcome boost on the bench as Simon Adingra returned to the squad following a minor hamstring issue. Dan Neil was also back among the substitutes after completing his own concussion protocol, offering further depth in midfield. It was another show of consistency from Le Bris – rewarding those who have helped Sunderland climb the Premier League table with a settled, confident selection.
Davey Atkinson tribute and Dan Neil moment
There was an emotional moment shortly before kick-off as the voice of the late Davey Atkinson echoed around the Stadium of Light. The lifelong Sunderland fan and BBC Radio Newcastle regular’s trademark phrase – “Let’s get carried away, man” – was played across the tannoy, prompting a heartfelt round of applause from supporters.
It was a simple but powerful gesture from the club, honouring one of their own in the most fitting way possible. For those who listened to Davey’s infectious optimism over the years, hearing his voice again felt like a poignant reminder of what Sunderland AFC means to its people – community, humour and heart.
Before kick-off, Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil received a warm ovation as he was honoured pitchside for making his 200th appearance in all competitions for the club. The academy graduate’s achievement was marked with applause from all four corners of the Stadium of Light – a fitting tribute for a player who has embodied the club’s resurgence over the past few years.
Concern for Nordi Mukiele
There were worrying moments for Sunderland fans in the first half when Nordi Mukiele went down after being caught late by Idrissa Gueye during an Everton counterattack around the 40th minute. The defender stayed down for some time as the Stadium of Light held its breath, but after receiving treatment, he was thankfully able to continue.
Mukiele, who has quickly become a key figure in Régis Le Bris’ back line, showed his toughness once again after later taking a painful blow to the head from Michael Keane in the 82nd minute while attacking a Granit Xhaka delivery into the box.
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus drops transfer hint
Sunderland chairman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus has suggested that the club’s excellent start to the Premier League season could influence their January transfer plans. I would say definitely a little bit [that the great start could affect Sunderland’s approach in January] because obviously if we're in the bottom three by Christmas or we're in the top six by Christmas that changes the ambition a little bit," Louis-Dreyfus said.
“We're currently preparing for all scenarios but we've been doing that since the summer so hopefully we'll be going into the January window with a top ten finish in mind and we will prepare and execute the transfer window to give us the best chance.”
The 27-year-old owner also reflected on Sunderland’s long-term recruitment model, highlighting the club’s commitment to youth while stressing the importance of balance and leadership within the squad. “To be honest it [building a young team] has become a little bit of our DNA in the last four-and-a-half years. We've had the youngest team in League One, in the Championship, and I think we're the second youngest team this year in the Premier League," he continued.
“Now I don't think we'll make a decision just based on age, however we think that this club and the style of play with a lot of energy and belief suits a young team and I think we've seen that this year – but having said that I think the experience we've recruited this year has been very very important. People talk a lot about Granit Xhaka, but I think all the other experienced players around them – Reinildo and even the ones from the year before, Luka O’Nien – play a vital role in the squad so I would say we've taken a little bit of a pragmatic view but not going against our core beliefs.”
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