Sunderland showed they mean business this season with a narrow but vital 1-0 away win at Nottingham Forest. A first-half header from Omar Alderete was enough to separate the sides as the Black Cats continued their impressive start to life back in the Premier League. Forest had plenty of the ball but failed to break down a resolute Sunderland defence, slipping to a worrying home defeat that leaves them hovering near the bottom of the table.
Matchday Talking Points
- Sunderland are unbeaten in four Premier League games (W2 D2) and will end the day in the top flight’s top four for the first time since March 2001.
- Nottingham Forest have now lost five of their last seven home Premier League games (W1 D1), as many defeats as in their previous 22 home matches combined.
- Sunderland’s 11 points from their first six games is their best start to a top-flight season since 1967–68 (also 11 points). It’s the most for a newly promoted side since West Ham in 2012–13.
Goals Timeline
- 38’ – Sunderland 0-1: Omar Alderete rose highest from a set piece to power home a header, which proved to be the match-winner.
Match Commentary
Forest’s wait for a first win under Ange Postecoglou continues as they fell 1-0 to Sunderland. The Black Cats struck through Alderete’s decisive header and then defended with grit to claim maximum points.
Forest had possession in abundance (65%) and created chances, but Chris Wood and Igor Jesus were both guilty of wasteful finishing. Sunderland goalkeeper Roefs was outstanding, making crucial saves to frustrate the hosts.
Sunderland themselves looked dangerous on the break, with Geertruida coming close to doubling the lead late on. Ultimately, Alderete’s header was enough to secure a big three points that lift Sunderland into the European spots, while Forest’s struggles leave them down in 18th place.
Stats Snapshot
- Shots: Nottingham Forest 22 – 11 Sunderland
- Shots on Target: Nottingham Forest 6 – 3 Sunderland
- Possession: Nottingham Forest 65% – 35% Sunderland
- Pass Accuracy: Nottingham Forest 90% – 81% Sunderland
- Fouls: Nottingham Forest 11 – 6 Sunderland
Lineups
Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1): Sels; Williams, Milenković, Morato, Zinchenko; Domínguez, Anderson; Bakwa, McAtee, D. Ndoye; Wood.
Sunderland (4-2-3-1): Roefs; Masuaku, Alderete, Mukiele, Hume; Le Fée, G. Xhaka; Ndoye, Rigg, Talbi; Isidor.
What It Means
- Nottingham Forest: Another poor home result piles pressure on Postecoglou, with Forest stuck in the relegation zone.
- Sunderland: Now sitting 5th, their best start to a Premier League season in decades. Confidence is soaring.
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