Sunderland, England – Granit Xhaka's first goal for Sunderland canceled out Iliman Ndiaye's stunning solo effort, as Sunderland and Everton battled to a 1-1 draw at the Stadium of Light. The result denied David Moyes a winning return to Sunderland, where he previously managed the club during their relegation season in 2017.
The match began with Everton applying early pressure. James Garner fired a shot narrowly wide within the opening seconds, signaling the Toffees' intent. Their persistence paid off in the 15th minute when Iliman Ndiaye embarked on a mesmerizing run, weaving through the Sunderland defense before curling a precise shot past Robin Roefs into the left corner. Everton continued to threaten, with Jack Grealish hitting the post from 20 yards out. Thierno Barry then missed a golden opportunity, lifting his shot over the bar from close range.
Sunderland struggled to find their footing in the first half, but Lutsharel Geertruida's long-range effort signaled a growing attacking presence. The Black Cats came out with renewed energy after the break, and their efforts were almost immediately rewarded.
Just 46 seconds into the second half, Granit Xhaka found the equalizer. Enzo Le Fee's blocked shot fell to Xhaka, whose low drive from the edge of the box deflected off James Tarkowski and into the net via the underside of the bar. The home crowd erupted as Sunderland leveled the score.
Sunderland almost grabbed a second goal moments later when Le Fee's deflected shot forced Jordan Pickford to make a smart save. The Black Cats maintained their grip on the game, with Wilson Isidor's solo run and shot going just wide. Xhaka then delivered a dangerous cross, but Nordi Mukiele's header sailed over the bar.
Everton threatened sporadically, with Vitali Mykolenko forcing a save from Roefs with a long-range strike. However, Sunderland largely controlled the second half, maintaining their unbeaten home record in the league.
In the dying moments, Everton had a chance to steal the win when Grealish intercepted a pass and released Alcaraz, but the attack broke down due to Alcaraz's indecision.
Speaking after the game, Xhaka expressed his disappointment with Sunderland's start. "We lost two points in the first 20-25 minutes: sloppy with the ball, too many easy mistakes," he said. "But in the second half we were very, very good and with more luck we could have won the game".
The draw lifts Sunderland to fourth in the Premier League table. Everton, meanwhile, remain in 14th place, without a win in their last three games.
