The League’s Lateral Move: Sunderland Push Ahead of the Pack
Sunderland AFC moved three points clear at the top of the Championship with a closely contested 2-1 win over Luton Town, while Leeds United’s 1-0 victory over Watford failed to dislodge the Black Cats from their new best position.
The Black Cats, under the guidance of Regis Le Bris, have been phenomenal, with Romaine Mundle’s decisive goal in the 65th minute proving to be the difference maker at Kenilworth Road. The visiting side had been down a goal, after Chris Rigg’s third goal of the season, but a swift equalizer from Elijah Adebayo saw them recover before Mundle’s late winner.
Leeds United’s efforts to make a point or three at the top table were in vain, as they could not find the net against Hull City, who saw their eight-game undefeated streak extended. Scott Parker’s men got an early lead, with Xavier Simon’s deflected shot, but Zian Flemming’s leveller just before the hour mark denied them all three points. Anthony Jaidon had a chance to clinch the win in added time, but unfortunately for him, it slipped away.
Burnley FC, meanwhile, are now just three points behind the pace-setters after a 1-1 draw against Hull City. The Clarets dominated the first half of the contest, but were ultimately forced to settle for a share of the spoils. Parker’s visitors fought valiantly for a point, which sees them rise to a respectable position in the league table.
Earlier in the day, Sheffield United fell to a second successive defeat, this time at the hands of Middlesbrough, who claimed a 1-0 victory. Substitute Emmanuel Latte Lath’s 80th-minute header proved decisive, following a busy 90 minutes of action.
In other matches, West Brom and Blackburn Rovers played out a goalless draw, extending the Baggies’ winless run to five matches. Additionally, Millwall FC secured a 1-0 win over Plymouth Argyle, thanks to Romain Esse’s early strike, while the day’s results left the Blades in fifth position, level with the two clubs that separated them.
The action on the pitch has seen some surprises, but at the end of it all, one team has emerged at the top, with Sunderland AFC looking strong and determined to hold their position.
