Queens Park Rangers Vs. Sunderland, 2011 Premier League: Sunderland Get Crucial 3 Points

Queens Park Rangers came back from 2 goals down, but Sunderland were able to win with a very late Wes Brown goal, and come away with 3 crucial points for Martin O’Neill’s side. The win sees them climb above QPR, to 15th, 3 points clear of Wigan. O’Neill brought in Nicklas Bendtner and Lee Cattermole, both of whom were charged by the police last weekend. That didn’t seem to faze Bendtner, though, who headed home after 19 minutes from Kieran Richardson’s free kick. Earlier, the Dane had hit the post from another free kick, with Sunderland’s free kicks being a recurring theme throughout the 90 minutes. Joey Barton was poor against his former rivals, with his passing wayward in midfield and his set piece delivery lacking.

Adel Taarabt came on at the beginning of the second half, and QPR looked much brighter, with Taarabt and Armand Traore combining well on the left. Sunderland, though, would double their lead after Danny Gabbidon’s header inadvertently played Sebastien Sessegnon in, who rounded Paddy Kenny and slotted into the empty goal. 2-0 for Sunderland, and surely all 3 points. QPR, though, came roaring back, with Heider Helgusson tapping in from close range on 63 minutes. 4 minutes later, they were level, with Faurlin playing a one-two with Helgusson before crossing for Jamie Mackie, who headed past the despairing Keiron Westwood. It would all be for naught, though; QPR were unable to defend a corner, and Wes Brown powered home from Richardson’s delivery. With 89 minutes gone, QPR didn’t have enough time to come back again, and Neil Warnock will be cursing his side’s inability to defend set pieces.