Premier League news: Reflecting on Sunderland's unbeaten run vs London sides this season
Ahead of Sunderland’s visit to Craven Cottage on Saturday, November 22, Sports News Blitz writer Ellie McDevitt takes a look at the Black Cats’ impressive run of form against London sides that have helped them to 11 out of a possible 15 points.
Sunderland 3 - 0 West Ham
The first game of the season saw the newly promoted side defy all odds against Graham Potter’s West Ham winning 3-0 on their eight-year return to the Premier League.
Goal scorers included Eliezer Mayenda, Dan Ballard and Wilson Isidor - all of which scored in their promotion campaign that earned the side Premier League status.
This victory marked the Black Cat’s first win over the Hammers since January 12, 2013.
On this ecstatic return to Premier League life, manager Regis Le Bris said: “I am happy for the club.
“To come back into the Premier League with this connection with our fans is impressive.”
Sunderland 2 - 1 Brentford
Coming from behind to win, Sunderland's second game at home saw them battle against penalties and VAR decisions to claim all three points.
Goal scorers included Enzo le Fee from the spot and a last minute Isidor header.
This win marked the club’s first win against the Bees since February 20, 1988, with the side only meeting five times since.
New goalkeeper Robin Roefs showed his class by saving three of four shots on target, one being a Kevin Schade penalty.
The last time Sunderland won their first two Premier League home games was under Peter Reid in the 01/02 season.
READ MORE: Premier League news: Sunderland AFC – The success story so far
Crystal Palace 0 - 0 Sunderland
The first away trip to the Capital saw the young side take on a Oliver Glasner side who were unbeaten in 14 games.
A game that offered very little attacking threat producing 0 shots on target from Sunderland and saw Roefs make six saves including two close-range efforts from Jean-Philippe Mateta.
The newly promoted side are now unbeaten in their last four visits to Selhurst park, having not lost there since August 31, 2013.
“We showed our character,” Le Bris said after the game.
Chelsea 1 - 2 Sunderland
Conceding in under four minutes to Club World Cup champions Chelsea set the tone for a potentially tough day at the office for the Black Cats.
However, after just 22 minutes, striker Isidor levelled the scoring with a close-range finish.
The turnaround was complete in the 93rd minute when substitute Brian Brobbey assisted Chemsdine Talbi, who claimed his first Sunderland goal.
The last time the Mackems won at Stamford Bridge was during their ‘great escape’ back in April 2014, a game that proved crucial in keeping the side up.
Sunderland 2 - 2 Arsenal
A high flying Sunderland side welcomed an Arsenal team who had not conceded in eight games.
Ex-Arsenal academy player Ballard opened the scoring after 36 minutes, smashing the ball past David Raya.
The league leaders bounced back in the second half with goals from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard.
However, in famous Sunderland style, the ‘til the end’ slogan proved relevant again with a 94th minute goal from Brobbey.
The last time the Black Cats beat Arsenal was February 18, 2012 in the FA Cup, winning 2-0.
On the draw, Le bris said: “The lads worked hard to the end.
“They believed it was possible to change the dynamic.”
READ NEXT: Premier League betting tips: Declan Rice to deliver; Arsenal vs Spurs should be different gravy
