A stunning second-half strike from Brian Brobbey completed a spirited Sunderland comeback against a beleaguered Crystal Palace, securing a 2-1 Premier League victory at the Stadium of Light on Saturday. The win, Sunderland's first in the league since last month, piles further misery on Oliver Glasner's side, who are now without a win in ten matches across all competitions.
Palace's Pre-Match Turmoil
The match was played against a backdrop of significant disruption for the visitors. News broke on Friday that key defender Marc Guéhi was being sold to Manchester City, while manager Oliver Glasner confirmed he would depart Selhurst Park at the season's end. This, coupled with last weekend's humiliating FA Cup exit to non-league Macclesfield, had Sunderland fans fearing a wounded animal's reaction. Instead, they witnessed a performance that underscored the deep problems currently afflicting the south London club.
Roefs Saves and Le Fée Inspires
Sunderland began dominantly, but were almost punished when Granit Xhaka lost possession in midfield. Yéremy Pino found Jean-Philippe Mateta, whose goal-bound effort was superbly thwarted by the in-form goalkeeper Robin Roefs. At the other end, the creative heartbeat of the home side, Enzo Le Fée, was orchestrating play. His dangerous set-pieces almost provided an opener, with Trai Hume heading a corner wide.
Against the run of play, Palace struck first. Pino capitalised on a soft punch from Roefs following a Will Hughes corner and, under pressure, expertly lifted the ball over the stranded keeper. The lead was short-lived. Just three minutes later, Sunderland were level. A slick passing move ended with Nordi Mukiele driving a low cross into the box. Brian Brobbey cleverly dummied, allowing the ball to run to Le Fée, who drilled a first-time shot past Dean Henderson.
Brobbey's Brilliant Winner
Palace thought they had regained the lead before half-time, but Mateta's powerful half-volley was correctly ruled out for offside. The second half belonged to Sunderland's attacking fluidity. The Palace defence, missing Guéhi, struggled to contain the roaming Le Fée. The winner arrived when Noah Sadiki, fresh from Africa Cup of Nations duty, turned away from his marker. His pass was deflected into the path of Brian Brobbey, who still had much to do. The striker produced a moment of sheer quality, using the outside of his right foot to lash the ball over Henderson and in off the underside of the bar.
Henderson later made a good save to deny Hume, but Palace offered little in response. The result leaves Sunderland unbeaten at home this season and on 33 points, while Palace remain just five points behind but in a state of evident disarray. For Régis Le Bris's impressive Sunderland, this was a statement victory. For Glasner's Palace, the gloom deepens.
