Sunderland halted a seven-match winless streak with a 2-0 victory over Cardiff, and there were plenty of talking points following the game.

Adil Aouchiche’s first-half penalty gave Mike Dodds’ side an early lead in the 12th minute, and Jobe Bellingham added a second before halftime. Here are some of the moments you may have missed:

Dan Neil’s Injury Scare

While Sunderland welcomed back some players who had been sidelined due to injuries, there was a concern shortly before halftime when Dan Neil went down after a head clash.

The 22-year-old has been an important player this season, missing only one league match, and was able to continue despite a stoppage in play while he underwent treatment.

Double injury boost as players return.

 

While they were not on the pitch, Sunderland did welcome back winger Patrick Roberts and defender Aji Alese to their lineup. Alese hasn’t played since January and has had an injury-plagued season. Roberts, meanwhile, has missed the team’s past six games due to a hamstring injury.

Corry Evans travels with the squad.

Despite playing twice for Sunderland’s under-21s over the international break, club captain Corry Evans did not make the bench. The 33-year-old has been out for more than a year due to an ACL injury, and Dodds reiterated after the game that the club has a duty of care to those returning from the sidelines.

Evans was not chosen to the team against Cardiff, but he did travel with the group. The midfielder might be featured when Sunderland face Blackburn on Monday.

Dodds’ Conversation with Pierre Ekwah

Pierre Ekwah was one of three Sunderland players recalled to the starting lineup after starting the previous two games on the bench. During the international break, the Frenchman played with the club’s under-21s team, hoping to regain his early-season form.

Following the game, Dodds stated, “I think Pierre was as good as I’ve seen Pierre in a long time,” acknowledging that the duo had some candid discussions regarding the midfielder’s position. After the final whistle, Dodds approached Ekwah, and the interim head coach seemed to compliment the player’s performance.

Luke O’Nien’s elegant move

Luke O’Nien also returned to Sunderland’s starting lineup after missing the club’s previous two games due to suspension for receiving his tenth yellow card of the season.

Sunderland benefited from the defender’s experience and ball control throughout the game, and the Black Cats captain demonstrated his class at the end of the game by handing over his shirt to a supporter in the away end.

Adil Aouchiche accepts the applause.

Aouchiche impressed in his second start in South Wales, scoring a penalty and assisting Bellingham.

When the Sunderland players celebrated in front of the packed away end after the final whistle, Ekwah and Chris Rigg pushed Aouchiche towards the travelling fans to accept the applause. The Frenchman hopes to showcase his abilities in the remaining weeks of the season.