Sunderland 2-0 Derby County: Jobe Bellingham scores stunner as Black Cats go top.
Report and free match highlights from Sunderland’s Sky Bet Championship victory against Derby County at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday night, with Jobe Bellingham and Wilson Isidor bringing the Black Cats back to the top of the league.
Sunderland’s excellent start to the Sky Bet Championship continued with a 2-0 victory over Derby.
Bellingham’s long-range effort gave the hosts a well-deserved lead shortly before halftime, and Isidor’s near-post finish sealed the win 10 minutes later.
The visitors had chances to cut the gap in the closing moments, but were unable to strike against a Sunderland team that has yet to surrender at home this season.
Derby had begun the stronger of the two teams, surprising Sunderland with their relentless high press. They had an early chance to grab the lead when Kane Wilson broke free on the right wing; Marcus Harness met his low cross, which Sunderland very narrowly cleared in front of their own goal.
It took some time for the home side to relax, but they began to turn the screw as the half progressed, capitalising on Derby’s constant sloppiness in midfield.
Bellingham should have scored when he met Dennis Cirkin’s cross unmarked on the penalty spot, but his header went wide of the far post, leaving Jacob Zetterstrom well beaten.
Chris Rigg pounced on a loose ball, and Romaine Mundle sent a first-time effort just wide of the far post from the edge of the box.
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Derby’s inability to hold control ultimately cost them five minutes before halftime, when Bellingham collected a loose ball and arrowed a magnificent effort into the top corner from 20 yards.
The Black Cats extended their lead in the 55th minute when Bellingham found Mundle on the left wing, and Isidor converted his low cross at the near post.
With two goals in two starts in a couple of days, the Zenit St Petersburg loanee appears to be a true discovery for a team that has long struggled to produce consistent goals from their center forward.
Paul Warne replied to Isidor’s score with a quadruple change, sparking a spirited reaction, and Derby could have cut the lead in half when Eiran Cashin’s close-range header was well saved by Anthony Patterson, with Craig Forsyth putting the rebound wide.
Sunderland had already survived one set play let off when replacement Nathaniel Mendez-Laing blasted straight at Patterson after a short corner routine seconds before.
Regis Le Bris’ team was able to withstand that surge of pressure and easily managed seven minutes of extra time, collecting another three points to strengthen their promotion prospects.
The managers
Sunderland’s Regis Le Bris:
“It was another tough game, and I believe our first half was solid, even though we might have had more control of the game, particularly in possession.
“We scored after making a strong recovery, and scoring first is critical in this type of game.
“We scored soon after halftime, and the game grew more chaotic as they attempted to unsettle us with direct play and were quite powerful in duels.
“We maintained our discipline, and that form remains our base. We were strong on set-pieces because they excel in this area.
“We had a solid sense of discipline. It’s another victory at home. I want to be more dominating in possession because we have the talent to do so, and we will work on it.”
Derby’s Paul Warne:
“I didn’t believe we played very well in the first half.
“We were OK out of possession, but not great in possession, and Sunderland outperformed us. The 30-yard screamer that almost ripped the net off was disheartening, as was the fact that we gave the ball away in our own half.
“Mistakes happen in games, and we were properly punished. After scoring the second goal, we improved our game by changing our formation and making effective replacements.
“In fairness to Sunderland, they defended what they had to well.”
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