The moments you might have missed when Sunderland faced Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park on Boxing Day.
Sunderland’s Championship match against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park on Boxing Day produced numerous on-field and off-field highlights.
Here’s a look at the noteworthy moments you might have missed as Blackburn Rovers hosted Sunderland at Ewood Park in the Championship:
Sunderland man returns after contract boost
The 19-year-old signed a new contract with his hometown club earlier this month, extending his stay until 2026 with a one-year club option. Jones was relegated to the bench after missing the match against Norwich City due to Dan Ballard’s absence and Trai Hume’s promotion to the starting lineup.
Wilson Isidor runs straight to Le Bris after scoring
Wilson Isidor scored Sunderland’s second goal with a clever finish in the second half, then ran straight to his coach.
Isidor scored his first goal in eight games, bringing an end to a seven-game barren streak that began in November against Coventry City at the Stadium of Light. However, following the goal, Isidor was eager to run and hug his employer in appreciation for his faith, which was a great scene to watch.
Danny Batth’s classy Sunderland moment
Danny Batth, a former Sunderland defender, started for Blackburn Rovers against Sunderland in the Championship on Boxing Day.
The 34-year-old, who gained promotion to the Championship with the Black Cats under Alex Neil in 2022, faced Sunderland for the first time since leaving the club 15 months earlier in September 2025 (453 days). Batth was at Norwich City last season but was an unused replacement in both games in 2023-24.
Danny Batth’s classy Sunderland moment
Danny Batth, a former Sunderland defender, started for Blackburn Rovers against Sunderland in the Championship on Boxing Day.
The 34-year-old, who gained promotion to the Championship with the Black Cats under Alex Neil in 2022, faced Sunderland for the first time since leaving the club 15 months earlier in September 2025 (453 days). Batth was at Norwich City last season but was an unused replacement in both games in 2023-24.
Since joining Sunderland in January 2022, the former Middlesbrough and Stoke City defender has played 55 times across all competitions. Batth signed a one-year agreement with Norwich City two windows ago, although he only appeared 16 times in the Championship last season. However, the Midlands-born centre-back has established himself as a regular for John Eustace’s Blackburn Rovers, playing his 17th league game of the season against his previous side on Boxing Day. Batth recently surpassed 500 professional football games.
Batth was given a lovely reception after the game by Sunderland fans and went over to applaud that 7,500-strong away end at Ewood Park as well as the home fans. The defender was also applauded by Black Cats fans before the game began, rather than booed.
Chris Rigg breaks Gareth Bale record
Chris Rigg of Sunderland has already eclipsed Gareth Bale’s record of six Championship goals before turning 18.
The 17-year-old scored Sunderland’s equaliser after 51 minutes, breaking the mark previously held by the former Tottenham, Real Madrid, and Wales legend. Rigg scored twice last season and has four more goals this season.
Unfortunately, Rigg was forced off in the second half due to an injury in the 83rd minute. The attacking midfielder collapsed with no one around him and looked to leave his foot on the Ewood Park turf after turning. Adil Aouchiche replaced the kid before heading down the tunnel for treatment.
Leave a Reply