Sunderland strengthened their position at the top of the Championship with a convincing 2-0 victory over Derby County at the Stadium of Light.
Goals from Jobe Bellingham and Wilson Isidor either side of half-time secured the win, helping the Black Cats maintain their promotion push. Sorry Derby never really got a look in, as Regis Le Bris’s side showed no signs of slowing in their electric start to the current season.
Sunderland came into the match looking to bounce back from a defeat at Watford, and despite a shaky start, they eventually found their rhythm. Derby began the game with high intensity, pressing Sunderland into early mistakes. Kane Wilson got in behind on the right and delivered a dangerous low cross, but Marcus Harness was denied by a crucial block from Chris Mepham, preventing Derby from taking an early lead.
Sunderland, however, gradually worked their way into the match. Romaine Mundle was instrumental in sparking the attack, showing his creativity with some clever touches. He set up Jobe Bellingham for a header that went wide, before flashing a shot just past the post after being set up by Chris Rigg. As the half wore on, Sunderland began to impose themselves, and it was Bellingham who broke the deadlock in spectacular fashion. Picking up a loose ball outside the box, he unleashed a fierce, swerving shot from 25 yards that flew into the top corner, leaving Derby goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom with no chance.
Bellingham’s goal just before the break gave Sunderland the momentum they needed, and they carried that confidence into the second half. Though Derby threatened briefly, Sunderland’s second goal came after another excellent team move. Mundle was again the creator, driving down the left and delivering a low cross that found Isidor at the near post. Under pressure from a defender, Isidor managed to force the ball over the line to double Sunderland’s lead and secure his first goal at the Stadium of Light.
Derby did try to respond, with Tawanda Chirewa testing Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson at his near post. However, the Black Cats’ defence held firm, with Mepham and the rest of the backline making key interventions when needed. Patterson also made a crucial save from Eiran Cashin’s close-range header following a corner, preserving Sunderland’s clean sheet.
As the game drew to a close, Sunderland continued to create chances. Bellingham nearly added a second with a long-range effort, and Mundle, who was lively throughout, also tested Zetterstrom from distance. Despite these opportunities, the hosts settled for the two-goal cushion, comfortably seeing out the game to take all three points.
Sunderland’s win was not only important for maintaining their position at the top of the table but also highlighted the depth of talent within the squad. Bellingham’s stunning first goal of the season was a reminder of his growing influence, while Isidor showed his value up front. Mundle, with his creativity and energy, was a constant threat, and Dan Neil put in a commanding display in midfield, helping to control the tempo of the game.
The victory puts Sunderland ahead of West Brom, who dropped to third following their defeat to Middlesbrough. It also extends Sunderland’s strong form at home, reinforcing their status as promotion favourites. Manager Regis Le Bris will have been pleased with his side’s performance, particularly in how they managed to break down a determined Derby side and create clear chances.
The only downside to the evening was an injury concern for Ian Poveda, who was forced off just ten minutes after coming on as a substitute. Despite this setback, Sunderland’s victory further solidifies their grip on the top of the Championship as they continue their push for promotion.
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