Sunderland Edge Crystal Palace Amid Turmoil At Stadium Of Light

On a brisk Saturday at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland fans witnessed another chapter in their club’s remarkable season as the Black Cats clawed back from a goal down to defeat a beleaguered Crystal Palace side 2-1. The match, played on January 17, 2026, was not just a contest of footballing skill but also a reflection of two clubs heading in dramatically different directions—a resurgent Sunderland eyeing higher ground and a Crystal Palace side mired in uncertainty and turmoil.

The afternoon’s drama began with Crystal Palace showing early intent. Just past the half-hour mark, Yeremy Pino pounced on a loose ball inside the box, using the outside of his right boot to guide a first-time finish into the top right corner. It was a moment of real quality and composure, giving Palace a 1-0 lead and momentarily lifting the spirits of their traveling supporters. According to the match report, "Yeremy Pino scored first for Crystal Palace at the 30th minute with a lobbed finish."

But Sunderland wasted no time in responding. Only three minutes later, the home side worked the ball down the right, with Nordi Mukiele delivering a pinpoint cross. Enzo Le Fée met it with a lovely low effort, steering the ball into the bottom right corner and sending the Stadium of Light into a frenzy. The equalizer was crucial, not just for the scoreboard but for Sunderland’s confidence. As the official summary put it, "Enzo Le Fée scored for Sunderland to level the match with a right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner, assisted by Nordi Mukiele."

Both teams had their moments in a first half that crackled with energy. Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta looked dangerous, but Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs stood firm, making a key save from a Mateta effort. The Black Cats’ own attacking forays were met by the steady hands of Palace keeper Dean Henderson, who produced a series of impressive stops. One standout moment saw Henderson deny Trai Hume, tipping a fierce shot onto the crossbar and over—an effort that drew gasps from fans and praise from pundits alike.

As the second half unfolded, Sunderland began to assert themselves. The home side’s midfield, marshaled by Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki, gained control, and their attacking play grew more incisive. Trai Hume, lively throughout, forced another save from Henderson with a looping header, while Romaine Mundle’s creative spark kept Palace’s defense on edge.

The breakthrough came in the 71st minute. Brian Brobbey, whose fitness had been a much-discussed boost for Sunderland, was played in at the heart of the Palace defense. With a deft flick, Brobbey sent the ball over Henderson and off the bar, finding the high centre of the net and putting Sunderland in front. The stadium erupted. As described in the match account, "Brian Brobbey scored the winning goal for Sunderland with a right footed shot from the centre of the box to the high centre of the goal."

Palace tried to muster a response, but their efforts were stymied by a resolute Sunderland back line and more sharp goalkeeping from Roefs. Mateta did have the ball in the net at one point, firing home superbly, but the goal was ruled out for offside—a moment that summed up Palace’s misfortune and mounting frustration.

The closing stages saw Sunderland manage the game effectively, with substitutions and tactical discipline. Eliezer Mayenda replaced Brobbey late on, and Dennis Cirkin came on for the injured Romaine Mundle. The fourth official signaled four minutes of added time, but Palace, despite a flurry of corners and set pieces, could not find a way through.

For Sunderland, the victory was more than just three points. It moved them to 33 points in the league and, crucially, back to winning ways after a brief stumble in form. The return of key players from AFCON duty, including Reinildo, and the availability of Brobbey made a tangible difference. Head coach Regis Le Bris has managed to blend youthful energy with experienced heads, and the result is a side that looks increasingly confident and cohesive.

Crystal Palace, on the other hand, find themselves in a deepening crisis. The defeat extended their winless run to ten games in all competitions, leaving them stranded on 28 points and searching for answers. The match came at the end of a seismic week for the club. Just a day before, manager Oliver Glasner had stunned the media by announcing that captain Marc Guehi was on the verge of a transfer to Manchester City and would not travel with the squad to Sunderland. In the same breath, Glasner confirmed he himself would leave the club at the end of the season, having previously informed the chairman of his decision. "Captain Marc Guehi was close to leaving, he said. Would that affect his own future? 'No', came the answer… because he had made his decision and would leave in the summer in search of a 'new challenge'," reported The Athletic.

To make matters worse for Palace, rumors swirled about the possible departure of star striker Jean-Philippe Mateta before the end of the January transfer window. Injuries have further depleted the squad, and a humiliating FA Cup exit to non-League Macclesfield last week only added to the sense of a club in turmoil. As one observer noted, "It has given the impression that it is a club in crisis."

Despite the gloom, there are glimmers of hope for Palace. The squad still boasts talent, and new signing Brennan Johnson has added attacking impetus. The UEFA Conference League play-off against HSK Zrinjski Mostar looms, offering a chance for redemption on the continental stage. Glasner, for his part, has pledged to see out the season with commitment, aiming for a strong finish and a deep European run.

Looking ahead, Sunderland will travel to West Ham on January 24, eager to maintain their momentum and continue their push up the Premier League table. Palace, meanwhile, must regroup quickly as they prepare to host Chelsea on January 25, hoping to arrest their slide and restore some stability amid the off-field upheaval.

As the final whistle blew at the Stadium of Light, the contrast between the two clubs couldn’t have been starker. Sunderland’s fans roared their approval, savoring another memorable comeback. For Palace, the long road to recovery begins now, with the hope that brighter days are still to come.