Isidor’s late strike ends Sunderland’s winless streak in style

Sunderland’s winless start to the season ended in emphatic style on Sunday as Wilson Isidor’s composed late strike secured a 1-0 victory over Fulham at the Stadium of Light. The substitute’s decisive finish, just 15 minutes from time, ended a 17-year hoodoo against the Cottagers and delivered Régis Le Bris his first Premier League win as Sunderland manager. After a nervy opening 45 minutes, Isidor’s composure under pressure turned a tight contest into a moment of relief for the home side.

A late twist that silenced the doubters

The game had the feel of a cagey stalemate for long stretches, with Sunderland’s first real opening arriving on 26 minutes when Alex Iwobi played a lofted pass into the box for Josh King. The teenager’s first touch took him away from goal, and his left-footed effort sailed over the bar. Fulham, who had lost their opening two league games, showed flashes of promise but rarely troubled Robin Roefs, while Sunderland’s own attacking moves lacked the cutting edge to break down a disciplined visitors’ defence.

Isidor’s introduction midway through the second half injected fresh urgency. His first chance arrived on 71 minutes when Enzo Le Fée played a low cross across the six-yard box, but the striker somehow struck the post from an almost impossible angle. Five minutes later, the script changed. Habib Diarra’s cross found Isidor unmarked at the back post, and the 26-year-old rolled the ball into an empty net after Bernd Leno failed to intercept. The goal, scored within minutes of Isidor’s introduction, was the difference between two sides who had struggled to create clear chances all afternoon.

Le Bris’s reshuffle pays dividends

Le Bris’s decision to replace Nilson Angulo and Brian Brobbey with Diarra and Isidor shifted the balance of the game. The manager’s substitutions addressed a lack of penetration up front, and Isidor’s predatory finish underlined why Sunderland moved quickly to tie him down to a new contract this week. The win also represented a psychological lift after last weekend’s last-gasp defeat at Ipswich, where Jack Clarke’s stoppage-time winner had left Le Bris’s side pointless after two games.

Fulham’s Alvaro Arbeloa, watching from the stands, will have noted the gulf between his side’s bright spells and their inability to finish. Fulham’s best chance of the first half came from Iwobi’s through ball to King, but the teenager’s misplaced touch and subsequent off-target effort summed up their afternoon. A late equaliser never looked likely, and Isidor’s goal ensured Sunderland claimed their first league win of the season while extending their unbeaten run against Fulham to six matches.

Defensive resilience masks attacking frustrations

Sunderland’s victory was built on defensive solidity as much as attacking enterprise. Nordi Mukiele, restored to central defence after injury, made a crucial intervention early in the second half when he slid in to block Gonzalo García, who had scored in each of his first two games for Fulham. The visitors’ midfield, marshalled by Granit Xhaka, struggled to unlock a stubborn home rearguard, while Sunderland’s own creativity was largely confined to Xhaka’s long passes and Iwobi’s crosses.

The win leaves Sunderland with a chance to build momentum, but Le Bris will know his side’s attacking limitations remain a concern. The manager has spoken openly about his desire to strengthen his squad before the transfer window closes, and Isidor’s impact suggests he may have found a solution up front. Fulham, meanwhile, remain rooted to the bottom of the table with no points from their first three games, a run that has already prompted scrutiny of Arbeloa’s early tenure.

Isidor’s goal may not have been pretty, but it was effective. In a game of few clear chances, his composure in front of goal turned a nervy stalemate into a moment of celebration for Sunderland. Le Bris’s relief was palpable, and for the first time this season, the Black Cats have something to build on.

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