With a 2-1 victory at Hillsborough, Eliezer Mayenda troubled Sheffield Wednesday once more as his contentious brace helped Sunderland increase their chances of automatic promotion in the Championship.
The Spaniard scored two goals in the Black Cats’ 4-0 victory against Wednesday in August, and he scored both goals on Friday night, including a controversial first goal, to put his team within five points of Sheffield United, who are now in second place.
After 34 minutes, Mayenda opened the score after the hosts’ early penalty claim was dismissed.
Max Lowe missed a hopeful long ball from Leo Hjelde, which was then held by the forward’s arm before his scuffed attempt was diverted past James Beadle, who was running, and into the net.
Callum Paterson headed home three minutes after the restart thanks to Chris Mepham’s hesitancy, but Mayenda’s header from a fantastic Trai Hume cross in the 71st minute made sure Sunderland got back to winning ways following back-to-back league losses.
After the contentious defeat, Danny Rohl reaffirmed his support for the league’s use of VAR.
“I think I’ve made my clear statements over the last three weeks,” Rohl responded when asked where the second division in England should implement VAR.
“We should assist the referees on the field, especially since when it seems like we have a major ruling against us every week.
“We stay here and lose 2-1 after giving up two goals that were easy to score and then two major decisions that went against us.
“The opponent throws a handball in the box prior to the 1-0, but the referee fails to notice it.
“I can’t decide the problem, but everyone will see it or may see it. Perhaps for this reason, we require assistance for the referees on the field.
Regis Le Bris, the manager of Sunderball, celebrated a significant victory that kept the Black Cats in fourth place.
“It was a really important win this evening because after two defeats we had to react and I think we showed character,” the player from France stated.
“Our only goal is to win games and after that, we will see (how) the dynamic of the top three (will play out).”
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