Sunderland Launch New Era With Solid Away Win

Sunderland Launch New Era With Solid Away Win

Sunderland enjoyed a winning start to the Regis Le Bris era with an impressive win on the road against Cardiff City.

The Bristol Street Motors-backed side headed into the opening round of fixtures on the EFL Championship looking to secure an opening day win for the first time since the 2021-22 season, when a 2-1 victory over Wigan kicked-off what would ultimately be a promotion-winning League One campaign.

Alan Browne was the only summer signing to make the starting line-up for the trip to Wales as the new boss looked to kick off his time in charge with a win, although it was the home side who had the first real chance in the game when Anthony Patterson was forced to turn away a header from Dimitrios Goutas.

Sunderland however then hit the front of 18 minutes when Patrick Roberts sent over a teasing free-kick that was nodded back across goal by Dennis Cirkin, leaving Luke O’Nien with the simple task of heading the ball into the net from virtually on the line.

Cardiff had half chances to equalise before the break and again into the second half, but Sunderland were more than strong enough at the back to retain their advantage – and should have gone two clear when Eliezer Mayenda saw his shot saved after being played in by Jobe Bellingham.

Bellingham was again involved when the second goal finally arrived in the closing stages, when he pushed forwards into the box before the playing the ball to Clarke coming in from the left.

He cut inside before firing a shot beyond goalkeeper Evan Horvath and into the corner to wrap up the points.

Sunderland will now look to build on that win in their opening game in the EFL Cup, with a trip to Deepdale to face fellow Championship side Preston North End on Tuesday.

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