Sunderland completed a league double over Middlesbrough for the first time in 63 years with a dramatic 3-2 win at the Riverside Stadium.
In a thrilling encounter, Delano Burgzorg gave the hosts an early lead before Dan Neil’s deflected strike levelled the scores before half-time. Wilson Isidor put Sunderland ahead early in the second half, only for Hayden Hackney to equalise once more. However, the game was decided three minutes from time when Ryan Giles inadvertently turned Enzo Le Fée’s cross into his own net.
Sunderland Stay in the Promotion Hunt
The victory keeps Regis Le Bris’ side in fourth place, but they are now level on points with third-placed Burnley and just three points behind Sheffield United in second. Meanwhile, Michael Carrick’s Boro remain seventh, missing out on the play-off spots on goal difference.
The match came on a busy day for Middlesbrough in the transfer market. New signings Morgan Whittaker and Mark Travers made their debuts, while Giles was handed his first start in his second spell at the club. There was also a place on the bench for deadline-day arrival Samuel Iling-Junior, and the home crowd saw new loan signing Kelechi Iheanacho unveiled before kick-off.
End-to-End Action
Middlesbrough started brightly, with Anthony Patterson denying Marcus Forss before Hackney’s incisive pass set up Burgzorg for the opener. The midfielder then created another golden chance for Forss, but the Finland international blazed over.
Despite looking shaky early on, Sunderland found a response when Neil’s long-range strike took a heavy deflection off George Edmundson and wrong-footed Travers.
After the break, the visitors took control as Le Fée released Isidor, who calmly rounded the goalkeeper to net his 10th goal of the season. However, Boro hit back when Hackney fired a powerful low shot past Patterson following a mistake from Jobe Bellingham.
Both teams pushed for a winner, with Mepham making a crucial block to deny Forss, and Travers pulling off a fine save to keep out Isidor. But the decisive moment came late on when Le Fée’s cross deflected off Giles and into his own net.
Post-Match Reaction
“Middlesbrough started very well, playing really good football. We conceded many situations so we were a little bit lucky not to concede a second goal.
“At half-time, we spoke about character, about playing with more passion. It was an intense game against a strong team and we had to play with 101%, not 80 or 85 or 90. And second half, we did that and we played a bit more vertical.”
Writer’s View
This was a thrilling derby with both sides showing attacking intent, but Sunderland’s resilience ultimately made the difference. The Black Cats continue to prove they are serious promotion contenders, with Wilson Isidor leading the charge. Meanwhile, Boro’s new signings will need time to settle, but with the play-offs still within reach, Carrick must quickly find consistency if they are to stay in the hunt.
