Sunderland lost both Michael Turner and Titus Bramble last week, leaving the Black Cats thin in central defense for the next month. The first test of whether Sunderland can cope came back negative, with Steve Bruce’s side giving up two goals later, losing 3-2 at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Wolverhampton Wanderers Vs. Sunderland: Second Half Shootout Sees Wolves To Third Win Of Season
With all five goals coming in the second half, the match became a surprisingly active affair. After a scoreless first half, the match appeared to be playing out as expected, but starting the the 50th minute, the contest exploded.
That’s when Kevin Foley got Wolves on the board. Following-up a Matt Jarvis shot, Foley put a Craig Gordon save into the Sunderland net, burying his shot near the far post to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
Sunderland responded with goals from Darren Bent and Danny Welbeck, taking a 2-1 lead in the 77th minute. Bent’s goal marked the Black Cats’ leading scorer’s return from injury, with his left-footed finish equalizing at the 67 minute mark. Welbeck, who now has four goals in three matches, headed home a Phil Bardsley cross 10 minutes later, giving the favorites the lead.
Wolves’ response was quick, equalizing four minutes later when another Matt Jarvis cross created the chance. His ball in from the left was headed on by George Elokobi, with the rebound put him by Stephen Hunt. After 81 minutes, the match was even, 1-1.
In stoppage time, Wolves had their three points. again using their left flank. This time it was Doyle who sent a ball in Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, the substitute gathering and converting for his fourth goal of the season, sending Sunderland crashing.
Particularly on their right, Sunderland seemed to have problems. A late match adjustment taking out John Mensah, a surprise starter at center half, and bringing on Ahmed Al Muhammadi couldn’t stop Wolves’ success on the left and couldn’t prevent the winning goal.
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