On Monday night, Sunderland sent shockwaves through the Championship with a thrilling 3-2 victory over local rivals Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium. The match, marked by dramatic twists and individual brilliance, not only delighted passionate Black Cats supporters but also significantly bolstered Sunderland's promotion hopes.
The Tees-Wear derby unfolded as a captivating contest, showcasing the intense rivalry between the two clubs. Sunderland's Wilson Isidor stole the show with two key goals, including the eventual winner, which came courtesy of Middlesbrough's Ryan Giles who inadvertently redirected the ball past his own goalkeeper.
The evening began with Middlesbrough seizing the initiative when Delano Burgzorg scored, slotting home after receiving a brilliant pass from Hayden Hackney just 11 minutes after kickoff. Despite their dominant start, the home side's lead was short-lived as Sunderland equalized just before halftime. Captain Dan Neil's shot took a fortunate deflection off George Edmundson, finding its way past the experienced Mark Travers.
With the match delicately poised at 1-1, Sunderland's attacking force showcased their resilience early in the second half. Isidor displayed finesse and composure to put the visitors ahead with a classy finish after connecting with Enzo Le Fee's perfectly timed through ball. Rounding the goalkeeper with skill, Isidor tapped the ball home to send the traveling fans wild.
Just when it seemed Sunderland would stroll to victory, Middlesbrough struck back again, courtesy of another fine effort from Hackney, who fired home from the edge of the area to level the score at 2-2. With momentum shifting back to the home side, it appeared the game could go either way.
But football can often be unkind, and as the match neared its conclusion, disaster struck for Middlesbrough. An 87th-minute own goal from Ryan Giles, resulting from pressure exerted by Sunderland, handed the Black Cats three precious points. The cross from Le Fee was initially intended for Isidor but instead ricocheted off Giles, sealing the win for the visitors.
After the match, Isidor reflected on his performance and the feeling within the team, stating, "We really wanted to win and take six points from them because it's important for our title race." His contributions to the team have been invaluable since transitioning from Zenit Saint Petersburg on loan, which recently turned permanent for around £5 million.
The Black Cats' manager, Régis Le Bris, praised the squad’s effort and fortitude following the match, emphasizing their relentless pursuit of promotion. The win marked Sunderland's first league double over Middlesbrough since the 1961-62 season, marking yet another milestone for the club.
Conversely, Middlesbrough's head coach, Michael Carrick, expressed his dismay at the late twist, lamenting, "It's very tough to take in those circumstances." His side controlled possession throughout the match but struggled to convert chances against Sunderland's hard-fighting tenacity.
Looking to the future, both teams are now focused firmly on the play-off positions, with Sunderland just three points off second-placed Sheffield United. The performance from Isidor suggests he will continue to play a pivotal role as Sunderland aims for promotion back to the Premier League, having been relegated in 2018.
Meanwhile, Middlesbrough must regroup quickly with their next match on the horizon, where they face the challenge of securing points against Sheffield United. With the transfer window recently closing, both teams are seeking to capitalize on their new signings to improve their fortunes on the pitch.
This exhilarating derby victory injects renewed hope for Sunderland fans, who reveled not only in the match outcome but also Isidor’s iconic post-match antics. He paraded before the travelling supporters, waving his match-worn shirt at the Riverside corner flag, solidifying his status among the club's fans and etching his name firmly within Sunderland folklore.
For years to come, this night is certain to be remembered as Sunderland's triumphant comeback at the Riverside, offering proof of their fight for promotion and the camaraderie present within the squad. With each game remaining, the Black Cats are determined to keep their eyes set on the prize.