Martin O'Neill's reign as Sunderland manager got off to a flying start as the Black Cats came from behind to beat Blackburn Rovers at the Stadium of Light. On the face of things, that's not particularly impressive - the list of teams that can beat Blackburn this year includes half of MLS - but considering Sunderland have been merrily failing to beat teams that they should all season long, getting three points is a very welcome outcome.
Sunderland Vs. Blackburn Rovers, 2011 Premier League: Late Goals See Black Cats Win
It didn't look like a win was on the cards when Simon Vukcevic nodded the visitors into the lead in the 17th minute after Kieren Westwood failed to hold Chris Samba's driven attempt, and despite Sunderland having all of the possession they were completely unable to trouble Paul Robinson until very late on. The hosts were booed off at halftime and for good reason - they were unimaginative and sloppy in the attack in a match they were ostensibly dominating.
Relief came in the form of David Vaughan, hammering in from long range with barely five minutes gone, a beautiful strike that left Robinson absolutely helpless. And then, with injury time slipping away, Sebastian Larsson curled a gorgeous free kick over the wall and in off Robinson's right hand post to give Sunderland a vital win and send Martin O'Neill into raptures on the touchline.
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