Brian Brobbey’s second-half winner completed a spirited Sunderland turnaround and compounded Crystal Palace’s difficult spell, as the Black Cats claimed a 2-1 Premier League victory at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland fell behind to Yeremy Pino’s composed first-half finish, but they responded almost immediately through Enzo Le Fée before Brobbey produced the decisive moment just over 20 minutes from time to end their five-game league winless run.
Palace struck first after Sunderland failed to deal with Will Hughes’ corner, allowing Pino to delicately lift the ball over Robin Roefs.
The visitors’ lead was short-lived, though, as Nordi Mukiele’s cross was met by Le Fée, who guided a low finish into the corner to restore parity within three minutes.
The second half was low on clear chances but high on Sunderland control, with the hosts enjoying the bulk of possession.
Their pressure told when Brobbey showed strength and composure to shake off his marker before clipping Noah Sidiki’s pass into the net via the crossbar for his fourth league goal of the season.
Trai Hume almost wrapped up the points late on but fired over when through on goal, though it mattered little as Sunderland held firm to secure their first league win since mid-December.
The result extends Sunderland’s impressive home form, equalling Ipswich Town’s long-standing record of 11 unbeaten home games by a promoted Premier League side.
Palace, meanwhile, sink further into trouble after a bruising week on and off the pitch.
Palace showed intent early on and created the better openings in the first half, with Jean-Philippe Mateta twice denied by Roefs and the offside flag.
Pino’s clever finish gave them a deserved lead, but it proved to be their final shot on target.
After Sunderland equalised, Palace struggled to regain control and offered little attacking threat in the second half.
With defeats mounting and uncertainty surrounding the future of key figures, the Eagles look increasingly short on confidence and direction.
Sunderland once again demonstrated their resilience, recovering from a losing position to maintain their strong home record and healthy league standing.
Regis Le Bris’ side have now collected more points from behind than any other promoted club this season, underlining their belief and consistency.
Brobbey’s decisive contribution capped another committed display, and with the Black Cats edging closer to the European places, optimism continues to grow on Wearside.
