Sunderland suffered a rare home defeat as Fulham claimed all three points with a 3-1 win at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland’s home defeat against Fulham has been described as a ‘missed opportunity’ by one former Black Cats star.
Regis Le Bris’ side were looking to return to winning ways at the Stadium of Light on Sunday afternoon after they lost their unbeaten home record for the season in a 1-0 defeat against Liverpool earlier this month. A win could have taken the Black Cats to within a point of the top seven and further raised hopes Le Bris and his players could guide the club to only the second European campaign in their history.
However, on a difficult afternoon, it was the Cottagers that boosted their own hopes of qualifying for Europe as they claimed a 3-1 win on Wearside. After a goalless first-half, Mexico international Raul Jimenez opened the scoring nine minutes after the restart with a well-taken header before the former Wolves man doubled his tally from the penalty spot just after the hour-mark.
Sunderland looked to have got themselves back into the game with just under ten minutes remaining when Enzo Le Fee converted from the penalty spot after Dan Ballard had been upended in the visitors area. However, a moment of inspiration from Harry Wilson settled the contest as the Wales international surged into the Sunderland half before releasing Alex Iwobi in on goal and the former Arsenal and Everton winger made no mistake with a cool finish beyond the helpless Robin Roefs.
Momentum
Raul Jimenez doubles Fulham's lead at Sunderlandplaceholder image
Raul Jimenez doubles Fulham's lead at Sunderland | Getty Images
The result leaves Sunderland sitting in the bottom half of the Premier League table - but they remain just four points from the top seven as they now turn their focus towards a tough-looking away day double header at Bournemouth and Leeds United over the next ten days. With two challenging fixtures now on the horizon, former Black Cats striker Don Goodman believes the defeat against Fulham will be viewed as a ‘missed opportunity’ for Le Bris and his squad.
He told Sky Sports: “It’s like someone has let the air out of the bubble, isn’t it? They were building a bit of momentum but it’s taken away by a brilliant counter-attacking goal. He’s had a brilliant afternoon, Alex Iwobi, in that deeper role. It’s been an off day (for Sunderland) and they haven’t had too many this season. It will be viewed as a missed opportunity I would say.”
Phil Smith assesses Sunderland’s home defeat against Fulham
The latest transfer rumours from Sunderland ahead of deadline dayplaceholder image
The latest transfer rumours from Sunderland ahead of deadline day | Getty Images
“After such a dizzying first half of the campaign, Régis Le Bris now faces a major challenge to prevent the league campaign from fizzling out. Sunderland’s form has dipped, and for the second time this campaign they were beaten by a smart, well organised Fulham side who perhaps demonstrates the gulf that still exists between the hosts and many of the teams around them in the table. This was not a dismal Sunderland showing by any measurement, but it was that highlighted their current struggles in both boxes. To add insult to injury, it was a day in which Le Bris was handed three fresh injury concerns.” More here.
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