Sunderland completed the perfect smash-and-grab at Goodison Park, notching up three vital points in its quest for Premier League survival.
Goals from Danny Graham and Jermaine Defoe proved enough to secure the vital 2-0 win. Everton dominated the majority of the match, but despite their best efforts, the Blues could not find a way past Costel Pantilimon. They came closest through James McCarthy, who thundered a low long-range strike against the base of the post.
By that stage, however, Sunderland had already struck against the run of play through Graham. The former Swansea man found himself in the right place at the right time after Jordi Gomez’s shot found its way to his feet, leaving a simple finish in the 53rd minute. The goal was Graham’s first Sunderland goal in 28 appearances for the club since 2013.
The away side consolidated its advantage with another sucker-punch with six minutes remaining, again against the run of play. Fortune played its part, with Defoe the beneficiary of some tricky deflections deep in the penalty area. A split-second reaction saw the ex-Tottenham man chest the ball beyond the reach of a helpless Tim Howard.
The win moves Sunderland to 36 points and into 16th place after other results, leaving it two points ahead of 18th-placed Hull City with as many games remaining.
Formations
Roberto Martinez made two changes to the team that was beaten 3-2 by Aston Villa, reverting to the XI that defeated Manchester United the week prior. Ross Barkley and Leon Osman returned to the midfield three in place of Steven Naismith and Kevin Mirallas, both of whom dropped down to the bench.
Everton XI (4-2-3-1): Howard (GK); Coleman, Stones, Jagielka, Baines; McCarthy, Barry; Osman, Barkley, Lennon; Lukaku.
Sunderland maintained the 4-3-3 formation that saw off Southampton at the Stadium of Light last Saturday with one personnel change. Wes Brown replaced John O’Shea in the centre of defence.
Sunderland XI (4-3-3): Pantilimon (GK); Jones, Brown, Coates, van Aanholt; Larsson, Cattermole, Gomez; Defoe, Graham, Wickham.
No-nonsense football from Sunderland
Black Cats boss Dick Advocaat made clear his intentions ahead of kick-off, and that was for his side to simply find a result, regardless of how it was to come.
A safe, direct, defensive style is exactly what ensued. Sunderland conceded a whopping 73% of possession to the Blues, including a deficit in passing (592 versus 229) and crossing (39 versus eight).
Ultimately, the Wearsiders frustrated their opponents, who, in traditional fashion, sought to control possession and play through the defence.
Virtually the entire match, until Defoe’s sealer, was played in Sunderland’s half as the Toffees sought a breakthrough. Everton produced 22 shots at goal, but a combination of poor finishing and good defensive pressure allowed Cotel Pantilimon to earn a clean sheet.
The away side often started its attacks with a long ball from defence and attempted to strike on the counter, absorbing the relentless, albeit, toothless, Everton pressure.
Attacking moves from Martinez
The Spanish gaffer is not known for his tactical flexibility, but to his credit was quick to act after his team fell behind.
Well in control of proceedings, Martinez sacrificed defensive midfielder Gareth Barry in favour of winger Mirallas. The Belgian appeared to be playing off the shoulder of compatriot Romelu Lukaku in what appeared to be a high-pressing 4-3-3, effectively a 4-1-2-3, with McCarthy playing the number six role, although still pushing up the field, with Ross Barkley and Osman through attacking midfield.
The move, orchestrated in the 61st minute, eight minutes after Graham’s opener, appeared to give the Toffees renewed attacking verve, with the extra threat of Mirallas providing headaches for the Sunderland defence along the right, in tandem with Seamus Coleman.
Unfortunately for Everton, however, the rejig did not bring about a breakthrough.
Everton Conclusion
Not for the first time this season, the Blues dominated play but were made to rue a lack of cutting edge. There was not a great deal on the line, other than the chance for a finish in the top half of the table. Everton takes on West Ham next week and will be desperate to take all three points in a bid to win its final two matches of the season.
Sunderland Conclusion
Advocaat and his side promised a gritty, no-fuss display, and they delivered. Fortune played its part, but the Black Cats and their fans will not care. The win is vital in the context of Sunderland’s season, who, for now, sits pretty above the drop zone. Next up is another vital fixture, a home meeting with fellow relegation candidates Leicester. Neither side is safe just yet, so victory at the Stadium of Light next week will go a long way to securing survival for the winner.
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