Sunderland’s European hopes are still alive after a dramatic win over Everton set up a huge final day
Sunderland’s remarkable first season back in the Premier League will go to the final day with European football still on the line.
The Black Cats’ 3-1 win at Everton moved Régis Le Bris’ side up to ninth in the table on 51 points, keeping them firmly in the race for a European place heading into the final weekend. Sunderland now know their task is simple enough in one respect: they must beat Chelsea at the Stadium of Light. Victory alone, though, would not quite guarantee European qualification. Sunderland also need help elsewhere.
As things stand, Brighton sit seventh on 53 points, Brentford are eighth on 52, and Sunderland are ninth on 51. That means Sunderland would move to 54 points if they beat Chelsea, which would be enough to climb above Brighton if they lose to Manchester United, or above Brentford if they fail to beat Liverpool. In simple terms, Sunderland will qualify for Europe if they beat Chelsea and either Brentford draw or lose at Liverpool, or Brighton lose at home to Manchester United.
There is also a route into the Europa League rather than the Conference League. If Sunderland beat Chelsea and both Brighton and Brentford fail to win, the Black Cats would climb above both of them and finish seventh. That would put Sunderland in the Europa League places rather than the Conference League spot. The final-day picture is therefore clear. Sunderland have to do their job against Chelsea first. If they do, one favourable result elsewhere could be enough for Europe - and two could make an already extraordinary season even more special.
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