Sunderland 2-1 Sheffield United – Match Report

Eliezer Mayenda and Wilson Isidor score to secure all 3 points against fellow promotion rivals Sheffield United to move to just 2 points off the top 2.

The Blades had a great chance to take the lead early on, as Luke O’Nien pulled Kieffer Moore down in the area, and the referee pointed to the spot.

Moore stepped up himself to take it, but it was saved by Patterson, with his feet, to keep it 0-0.

Sunderland went with 2 strikers up top today, and especially in the first-half, they were causing so many problems for the Sheffield United backline.

The game really came to life just before the half-hour mark, with 3 goals in 8 minutes.

Eliezer Mayenda capitalised on a mistake from Jack Robinson, and unlike against Blackburn, Mayenda kept his cool and finished brilliantly.

Moments later, the visitors equalized after Luke O’Nien headed into his own net from a Gustavo Hamer cross.

Sunderland didn’t let their heads drop, and within 3 minutes, they were back in front, and in sublime fashion.

Eliezer Mayenda played a pass through for Isidor, and he used his pace and power to get past the defender, open up his body and finish brilliantly.

Sheffield United really struggled to break Sunderland down in the 2nd half, they had 1 massive opportunity when Rhian Brewster dragged his shot just wide with 60 minutes on the clock.

Jobe Bellingham also came close to extending Sunderland’s lead, but he scuffed his shot over the bar from close range.

Anthony Patterson made some vital saves, and commanded his area very well as Sunderland were able to see our the victory.

Next up for Sunderland is Portsmouth at The Stadium of Light, with a chance of moving back into the automatic places.

MoTM – Anthony Patterson