In the 10th round of the Premier League, newly-promoted Sunderland hosted Everton at home.
Sunderland’s Strong Momentum, Everton’s Inconsistency
Before the match, Sunderland had recorded five wins, two draws, and two losses in their first nine games, scoring 11 goals and conceding only 7. With 17 points, they sat seventh in the table, the highest-ranked among the three promoted sides.
Everton, meanwhile, spent heavily in the summer, bringing in stars such as Jack Grealish and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. However, their performances have been inconsistent.
In their previous nine matches, the Toffees managed three wins, two draws, and four losses. They entered this round in 15th place with 11 points, level with fellow promoted side Leeds United.
Sunderland Line Up With Three Forwards, Everton Deploy Double Pivot
Sunderland lined up in a 3-4-3 formation, with Mukiele starting as the right centre-back and captain Granit Xhaka anchoring the midfield.
The front three consisted of Isidor, Le Fée, and Bertrand Traoré. The total market value of Sunderland’s starting XI was approximately €141 million.
Everton used a 4-2-3-1 setup. Jordan Pickford started in goal, with Michael Keane and James Tarkowski forming the central defensive partnership. James Garner and Idrissa Gueye occupied the holding midfield positions.
The attacking quartet featured Grealish, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye, and Thierno Barry. Everton’s starting XI had a combined market value of around €217 million.
Ndiaye’s Stunning Strike Opens the Scoring
In the 15th minute, Everton’s No. 10 Ndiaye picked up the ball on the right side of the box, dribbled past several defenders with composure, cut inside, and curled a superb left-footed shot into the top corner. Sunderland goalkeeper Roef was left rooted to the spot as Everton took a 1-0 lead.
Xhaka’s Powerful Strike Levels the Score
In the 46th minute, Le Fée was tightly marked on the left side of the penalty area and laid the ball back to the edge of the box.
Captain Xhaka met it with a thunderous left-footed strike that flew straight into the net, making it 1-1. The equaliser sent the home crowd into raptures as Xhaka celebrated with a knee slide.
In the closing stages, both teams had half-chances but failed to find the winner. Late on, Grealish tried to beat his marker and deliver a cross, but the Sunderland goalkeeper intercepted it to deny any late drama.
Sunderland Break Into the Champions League Spots
In the end, newly-promoted Sunderland came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw against Everton, thanks to Xhaka’s crucial goal.
The result took Sunderland to 18 points, lifting them to fourth place in the Premier League table and into the Champions League qualification zone.
