North East | Late drama gives Sunderland the three points

Sunderland 2 - 1 Brentford

Wilson Isidor struck a stoppage-time winner as Sunderland staged a late comeback to beat Brentford, securing their second win of the Premier League season.

Author | Lewis Whatley 

Stadium | Stadium of Light

Last minute scenes

Igor Thiago’s precise header had given Keith Andrews’ Brentford the lead after Kevin Schade saw his penalty saved by Robin Roefs just before the hour mark. The visitors looked set to take the points, having also had a Dango Ouattara strike ruled out for offside in the first half.

Sunderland, though, were handed a way back when Rico Henry was penalised for pulling down Habib Diarra. Enzo Le Fée calmly converted from the spot before Isidor, just a day after the birth of his daughter, rose to meet Granit Xhaka’s cross and seal victory.

The Sunderland will be delighted by the heart and perseverance his side showed in the closing stages of the match. This has been a fairly impressive start to the league season.

READ MORE | Sporting news from across the North East

For Brentford it was a frustrating end to a match they had largely controlled, and the London club were left to reflect on missed chances and their failure to see the game out.

Positive starts for the newly promoted clubs

The result lifts Sunderland, back in the top flight for the first time since 2016-17, into sixth place and continues a promising start under Regis le Bris. It is only the second time they have won their opening two home games in the Premier League, the previous occasion coming in 2001-02 under Peter Reid.

For supporters on Wearside it will raise hopes of avoiding an immediate return to the Championship. Leeds’ draw with Newcastle later in the day means this is the best collective start by promoted sides since 2016-17, with 11 more points earned than last year’s group at the same stage and 13 more than the three clubs who came up in 2023-24.

Best Sunderland fan reaction

Sunderland equaliser

After the match, we spoke with several Sunderland fans who were all delighted with the late win.

Iain: Three points earned through sheer persistence. Sunderland never stopped running after a cagey first half and some new heroes are beginning to emerge.

Mike: A fantastic result, even if the display was far from flawless. The centre-backs were excellent and, despite conceding a penalty, Reinildo impressed. Granit Xhaka once again dictated the midfield. Six points from three matches is a strong return.

Rhys: The side rode their luck at times but showed real character. Nordi Mukiele delivered an excellent performance stepping in for the injured Dan Ballard.