Jordan Pickford had a late flashpoint as Régis Le Bris’ changes helped Sunderland complete a superb comeback win
Sunderland arrived at the Hill Dickinson Stadium for their final away game of the Premier League season knowing there was still plenty to play for, even after an excellent first campaign back in the top flight.
The Black Cats headed into the weekend 12th in the table with 48 points from 36 games, just one point and two places behind Everton, who sat 10th on 49. Sunderland’s last outing had ended in a goalless draw against Manchester United at the Stadium of Light, a performance that offered encouragement even if Régis Le Bris’ side could not quite find the breakthrough their play deserved.
This was also a fixture with plenty of history. Sunderland had beaten Everton 72 times, drawn 31 and lost 83 of the previous meetings between the clubs, underlining just how established this match-up is in English football. As ever, there was plenty to spot before, during and after the game:
Régis Le Bris makes Bertrand Traore and Chemsdine Talbi calls
Le Bris made one change to his Sunderland side for the Premier League clash with Everton, with Nilson Angulo handed his first start since suffering a hamstring injury in training ahead of the defeat to Brighton in March.
The winger made his return from the bench against Manchester United last weekend and was brought back into the XI at Hill Dickinson Stadium, replacing Chemsdine Talbi. It meant Angulo started from his preferred position on the left, having played much of his football since arriving in January from the opposite flank.
Elsewhere, Trai Hume kept his place on the right side of midfield, with Lutsharel Geertruida continuing at right-back. Le Bris also resisted the temptation to bring Bertrand Traoré back into the matchday squad, with Jocelin Ta Bi retaining his place among the substitutes.
Granit Xhaka and Jordan Pickford share pre-match moment
There was a nice moment in the tunnel before kick-off as Granit Xhaka and Jordan Pickford shared a handshake and a quick word ahead of the game. The pair had already crossed paths earlier in the season at the Stadium of Light, when Xhaka scored his first Sunderland goal in the 1-1 draw with Everton, beating the former Black Cats goalkeeper from the edge of the box.
Pickford, as expected, received a warm reception from the travelling Sunderland supporters on his latest meeting with his boyhood club, while Xhaka once again led Régis Le Bris’ side out as captain ahead of the second-to-last game of the 2025-26 Premier League campaign.
Emotional tribute for Bradley Lowery
There was a deeply moving moment in the 15th minute as Sunderland and Everton supporters rose together to applaud Bradley Lowery on what would have been his 15th birthday. Both sets of fans then joined in singing “One Bradley Lowery”, with his mam, Gemma, visibly emotional as she wiped away a tear during the tribute. It was a powerful reminder of the bond Bradley created between the two clubs and the lasting legacy he continues to leave across football.
Omar Alderete injury blow forces early change
Sunderland were handed an early injury concern at Hill Dickinson Stadium as Omar Alderete was forced off midway through the first half. The defender appeared to hurt his hip after a coming together in the 22nd minute and was unable to continue after receiving treatment. It forced Le Bris into an early change, with fan favourite Luke O’Nien introduced from the bench.
Le Bris did have the option of reshuffling his side, moving Nordi Mukiele across to centre-back, dropping Trai Hume back into defence and introducing another attacker. Instead, he opted against a wider tactical change and kept the structure largely intact, with O’Nien slotting straight into the heart of Sunderland’s defence.
Régis Le Bris goes for it after Brobbey leveller
Le Bris showed Sunderland were not settling for a point after Brian Brobbey brought the Black Cats level with a superb finish around the hour mark. Brobbey’s equaliser came after clever work from Enzo Le Fée, with the Frenchman linking up with the striker in exactly the sort of area Sunderland want to see him influencing games.
Moments later, Le Bris made an attacking change, withdrawing Trai Hume and introducing Chemsdine Talbi on the right wing. It was a clear sign that Sunderland were going for the win rather than simply trying to protect what they had.
Reinildo gives Sunderland injury scare
Sunderland had another injury scare around the 70-minute mark when Reinildo Mandava went down after taking a heavy whack. The left-back stayed down for a couple of minutes and initially looked in some discomfort, which was a concern given Omar Alderete had already been forced off earlier in the game. Thankfully for Sunderland, Reinildo was able to recover and continue, avoiding another defensive setback for Le Bris.
Sunderland roll the dice late on
With the game level at 1-1 and around 15 minutes still to play, Régis Le Bris made a triple change as Sunderland pushed for a winner at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Chris Rigg, Habib Diarra and Wilson Isidor were all introduced, with Brian Brobbey, Nilson Angulo and Noah Sadiki making way.
It was another clear sign that Sunderland were not simply looking to settle for a point. Brobbey had already dragged the Black Cats level with a superb finish, but Le Bris freshened up his attack and midfield for the closing stages as his side looked to turn one point into three.
Jordan Pickford loses cool late on
Pickford briefly lost his cool with around 10 minutes to play after misplacing a pass out from the back. The former Sunderland goalkeeper appeared to feel one of his Everton team-mates should have offered a better angle and made his frustration clear, berating his defence before smashing his studs against the post and creating a loud clatter.
The Sunderland supporters behind the goal did not miss the opportunity. Within seconds, the away end started singing “Jordan Pickford, he’s one of our own” as the England number one tried to reset and get Everton moving again.
Sunderland subs combine for Le Fée goal
Sunderland’s substitutions had already signalled intent - and they made a decisive impact with seven minutes to play. Habib Diarra, Chris Rigg and Wilson Isidor were all involved in the build-up as the Black Cats worked the ball superbly in the final third. After a clever move, Enzo Le Fée was there to apply the finishing touch and put Sunderland 2-1 ahead.
It was a huge moment for Régis Le Bris and a real reward for his attacking changes. Rather than settling for a draw after Brian Brobbey’s equaliser, Sunderland kept pushing - and the players introduced from the bench helped turn one point into three.
Robin Roefs save proves vital before Isidor seals it
Robin Roefs produced another massive moment at 2-1 to keep Sunderland in front before Wilson Isidor wrapped up a dramatic win late on. The Dutch goalkeeper had already made important contributions, but his intervention after Sunderland had completed the turnaround felt huge in the context of the game. Everton pushed for a leveller, only for Roefs to come up big again when the Black Cats needed him most.
That save looked even more important moments later when Isidor finished the job to make it 3-1 and secure a superb comeback win for Régis Le Bris’ side. The result kept Sunderland’s European hopes alive heading into the final day. A win against Chelsea at the Stadium of Light, combined with results elsewhere going their way, could yet see the Black Cats qualify for Europe at the end of a remarkable first season back in the Premier League.
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