Sunderland secured a crucial 2-1 Premier League win over Crystal Palace at the Stadium of Light on 17 January 2026, thanks to a stoppage‑time strike from teen forward Kobbie Brobbey. The victory lifts the Black Cats out of the immediate relegation zone and fuels their survival push, while Palace’s defeat dents their mid‑table ambitions.
Match Summary
First Half Highlights
Sunderland opened the scoring in the 31st minute. A corner from Graham Rogers was flick‑on by centre‑back Luka Jovic to Ryan Maddison, who calmly slotted the ball past Bernd Leno. Palace responded quickly, creating chances through Tyrick Mitchell and Eberechi Eze, but a disciplined defence kept the score at 1‑0.
Second Half Drama
In the 57th minute, substitute Kobbie Brobbey headed a cross from Allan Clark, setting up Ross Barkley’s low finish for a 2‑0 lead. Palace pulled one back in the 78th minute when Jean‑Philippe Mateta headed home from a James McCarthy corner. The decisive moment arrived in added time when Brobbey received a through ball from Maddison and fired a low finish past Leno, sealing the win.
Tactical Overview
Sunderland Strategy
Manager Tony Mowbray employed a compact 4‑2‑3‑1, emphasizing defensive solidity and rapid counter‑attacks. The setup limited Palace’s possession dominance and created space for quick breaks, which proved vital for Brobbey’s impact.
Palace Approach
Roy Hodgson’s 4‑3‑3 aimed to control the game with wide play and high pressing. Despite superior possession statistics, Palace struggled to break through Sunderland’s organized back line and were penalized by an off‑side call that halted a promising attack.
Impact on League Standings
Sunderland’s Position
The three points move the Black Cats to 15th place, three points clear of the relegation zone after 12 matches.
Palace’s Position
The defeat drops Crystal Palace to 12th, leaving their top‑half aspirations in question as they sit with 18 points.
Key Players
Kobbie Brobbey
The 19‑year‑old scored a brace, including the stoppage‑time winner, highlighting the importance of emerging talent in Sunderland’s survival fight.
Jean‑Philippe Mateta
Mateta’s first Premier League goal offered a brief lifeline for Palace and may boost his confidence for the remaining fixtures.
Looking Ahead
Sunderland travel to Manchester United next, testing whether their recent momentum can be sustained against a top‑six opponent. Palace heads to Liverpool, where securing a point will be crucial to revive their mid‑table campaign. Both clubs will aim to refine off‑side awareness and capitalize on the fine margins that define Premier League survival.
