Sunderland’s return to the Premier League has taken another dramatic turn, as the Black Cats claimed their first top-flight away victory since 2017 with a gritty 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on September 27, 2025. For Sunderland supporters, who have endured the club’s eight-year journey through the lower leagues, the final whistle brought scenes of jubilation and a sense that this revitalized team truly belongs among England’s elite once again.
The match, part of Premier League matchday six, pitted two sides with contrasting recent histories and fortunes. Sunderland, having picked up eight points from their opening five matches, arrived in confident form under manager Regis Le Bris. Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, were seeking their first win under new head coach Ange Postecoglou, who was taking charge of his first home game since his appointment on September 9.
Forest’s start to the campaign had been tumultuous. The former Spurs boss had overseen three losses and two draws in his first five games, with the only real disappointment being a Carabao Cup exit at Swansea. Yet, despite the lack of victories, there were glimmers of hope. Postecoglou’s side had drawn at Burnley—last season’s defensive juggernaut—and had shown flashes of attacking promise, even if end results remained elusive.
Before kickoff, the City Ground buzzed with anticipation. Forest fans welcomed Postecoglou warmly, but the Australian tactician was candid about his need to “earn the love of the Trentside crowd.” Missing key players Murillo (thigh) and Douglas Luiz (hamstring), Postecoglou shuffled his lineup, making five changes. Igor Jesus and Morgan Gibbs-White were relegated to the bench, while Chris Wood captained the side up front.
Sunderland, for their part, had their own selection headaches. Habib Diarra was sidelined after groin surgery, and Reinildo served a suspension following a red card against Aston Villa. Le Bris fielded a starting eleven featuring Roefs in goal; Hume, Mukiele, Alderete, and Masuaku in defense; Xhaka, Sadiki, and Rigg in midfield; with Talbi, Le Fee, and Isidor leading the attack.
The early stages saw both teams probing for weaknesses. Forest’s Neco Williams delivered a teasing cross that Chris Wood headed just wide, while Sunderland’s Wilson Isidor narrowly missed with a low effort after confusion in the Forest backline. As the first half wore on, Forest enjoyed the lion’s share of possession but lacked the urgency to turn dominance into clear-cut chances.
Then, in the 38th minute, came the game’s pivotal moment. A clash between Forest’s Nicolas Dominguez and Sunderland’s Trai Hume was adjudged by the referee as simulation by Dominguez, resulting in a Sunderland free-kick and a yellow card for the Argentine midfielder. Captain Granit Xhaka, demonstrating why he’s quickly become a fan favorite, swung in a pinpoint delivery. Omar Alderete rose at the far post, powering a header beyond Forest keeper Matz Sels to give Sunderland the lead. VAR checked for offside and a potential foul on Williams, but the goal stood amid Forest protests.
Forest’s frustration was palpable, but they were determined to respond. Postecoglou made attacking substitutions at halftime, bringing on Gibbs-White, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Igor Jesus to inject fresh impetus. The hosts ramped up the pressure, with Elliot Anderson, Bakwa, and Gibbs-White all testing their luck from distance. Yet, time and again, they found Sunderland’s Robin Roefs in inspired form. The Dutch goalkeeper produced a string of outstanding saves, denying Omari Hutchinson, Jesus, and Anderson in quick succession.
“Roefs has been excellent for Sunderland so far this season,” noted one match report. Indeed, his heroics were pivotal as Forest, despite dominating the second half, simply could not find a way through. Chris Wood had two late chances to snatch a point, but the New Zealand striker, wearing the captain’s armband, couldn’t convert on this occasion. The final whistle brought a mixture of relief and elation for the traveling Sunderland faithful, who remained long after the match to savor the moment.
For Forest, the defeat extended their winless run to seven games in all competitions and left them languishing in 16th place with just one win from their first six Premier League fixtures. Player ratings reflected a night of mixed fortunes: Neco Williams was lauded for his commitment, Nikola Milenkovic for his defensive clearances, but others, including Dominguez and Wood, struggled to make a decisive impact. Matz Sels, Forest’s goalkeeper, was criticized for the team’s failure to defend the crucial set piece, with post-match analysis suggesting that defending dead-ball situations is an area Postecoglou must urgently address.
Sunderland’s victory, meanwhile, propelled them to third in the table—a remarkable achievement for a club only six games into their Premier League return. Granit Xhaka’s dominant midfield display drew widespread praise, with many observers hailing him as an “astute acquisition” who brings both leadership and quality to the side. Alderete’s match-winning goal capped an all-action performance, while Le Bris’s tactical adjustments ensured that Sunderland were able to withstand Forest’s late barrage.
Looking ahead, both teams face significant tests. Nottingham Forest will seek to turn their fortunes around when they host FC Midtjylland in the Europa League on October 2, hoping that a European night can provide the spark their domestic campaign sorely needs. Sunderland, brimming with confidence, travel to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United in what promises to be another stern examination of their Premier League credentials.
As the dust settles on a dramatic evening at the City Ground, Sunderland’s supporters can dare to dream once more. Their team, rebuilt from the ashes of relegation and years in the wilderness, has shown that it is up for the fight. For Forest and Postecoglou, the search for a first win continues, but with signs of improvement on the pitch, there remains hope that the breakthrough is just around the corner.
