Sunderland 2-1 Brentford: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Coral’s post-match review of Sunderland 2-1 Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday, 30 August 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Sunderland clinched a thrilling 2-1 victory over Brentford at home, a result that might not have been entirely surprising given their recent form. The Black Cats, who had previously won against West Ham and lost to Burnley, showcased their resilience by overturning a deficit late in the game. The match's turning point came in the 82nd minute when Enzo Le Fée converted a crucial penalty, followed by Wilson Isidor's dramatic winner in the 90+6th minute. This win extends Sunderland's positive run and highlights their ability to perform under pressure, particularly in front of their home crowd.

Brentford, on the other hand, will be disappointed with the outcome after taking the lead through Igor Thiago in the 77th minute. The Bees had shown promise in their previous match against Aston Villa but couldn't hold onto their lead against a determined Sunderland side. The missed penalty by Kevin Schade in the 59th minute proved costly, as it could have extended their lead and potentially secured the points. This loss snaps Brentford's mixed run of results and leaves them searching for consistency.

The statistics from the match largely reflect the competitive nature of the game, with Sunderland edging out Brentford in possession at 54% to 46%. Despite having fewer corners, Sunderland's higher successful dribble percentage (57% compared to Brentford's 36%) suggests they were more effective in breaking down the opposition's defense. The game was also marked by a high number of yellow cards, with Sunderland receiving three and Brentford two, indicating a fiercely contested battle. The decisive factor, however, was Sunderland's ability to score in injury time, which ultimately secured their victory.

The match's pivotal moments came late in the game, with Sunderland's Enzo Le Fée converting a penalty in the 82nd minute to level the score at 1-1. This crucial goal not only showcased Le Fée's composure under pressure but also shifted the momentum in favor of the home side. The drama continued into stoppage time when substitute Wilson Isidor scored the winning goal in the 90+6th minute, sealing a dramatic comeback for Sunderland.

Brentford had their chances to secure the win, notably when Kevin Schade missed a penalty in the 59th minute, which could have extended their lead to 2-0. Igor Thiago's goal in the 77th minute gave Brentford a brief lead, but their inability to hold onto it ultimately cost them the match. The late substitutions by both teams added to the intensity, with Sunderland's strategic changes proving more effective in the end

Sunderland lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, with Robin Roefs in goal and a backline of Trai Hume, Nordi Mukiele, Omar Alderete, and Reinildo Mandava. The midfield trio of Habib Diarra, Granit Xhaka, and Noah Sadiki provided a solid base, while the attacking line of Chemsdine Talbi, Eliezer Mayenda, and Enzo Le Fée posed a constant threat. The impact of substitutions was significant, with Wilson Isidor coming off the bench to score the winning goal in the 90+6th minute. This tactical flexibility and the ability to change the game's course late on were key to Sunderland's success.

Brentford opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Caoimhín Kelleher between the posts and a defense consisting of Michael Kayode, Nathan Collins, Sepp van den Berg, and Keane Lewis-Potter. The midfield was anchored by Jordan Henderson and Yegor Yarmolyuk, with Dango Ouattara, Mikkel Damsgaard, and Kevin Schade supporting striker Igor Thiago. Despite taking the lead through Thiago, Brentford's inability to maintain their advantage was a letdown. The missed penalty by Schade and the late substitutions of Ogochukwu Onyeka Frank, Rico Henry, and Fabio Carvalho did not have the desired impact, leaving Brentford to rue missed opportunities.

Enzo Le Fée is Coral’s Man of the Match, and his performance was instrumental in Sunderland's victory. Scoring the crucial equalising penalty in the 82nd minute, Le Fée demonstrated his composure and importance to the team. His contribution extended beyond the goal, with one key pass that helped maintain Sunderland's attacking threat throughout the match. Le Fée's impact was undeniable, making him a deserving recipient of the Man of the Match award.

Recent Premier League Matches:

• Win: 2-1 vs Brentford (H)

• Loss: 0-2 vs Burnley (A)

• Win: 3-0 vs West Ham United (H)

Recent Premier League Matches:

• Loss: 1-2 vs Sunderland (A)

• Win: 1-0 vs Aston Villa (H)

• Loss: 1-3 vs Nottingham Forest (A)

Sitting comfortably in 5th place with 6 points, Sunderland will look to build on this momentum when they face Crystal Palace, who are in 8th with 5 points, on September 13, 2025, at 14:00. The confidence gained from this late victory could be crucial as they aim to continue their climb up the league table. A strong performance against Palace could solidify their position and set a positive tone for the rest of the season.

Brentford, now in 15th place with 3 points, will need to regroup quickly as they prepare to take on a formidable Chelsea side, who sit in 2nd with 7 points, on September 13, 2025, at 19:00. This loss will serve as a wake-up call, and Brentford will need to address their defensive frailties and capitalise on scoring opportunities to avoid slipping further down the table. A positive result against Chelsea could be the catalyst for a turnaround in their season.

Game Week 4

• Arsenal V Nottingham Forest

• Bournemouth V Brighton

• Newcastle V Wolves

• Everton V Aston Villa

• Crystal Palace V Sunderland

• Fulham V Leeds United

• West Ham V Tottenham

• Brentford V Chelsea

• Burnley V Liverpool

• Man City V Man United

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