Sunderland
Crystal Palace
Match Commentary
Sunderland vs Crystal Palace Match Overview: 2-1 Premier League
Sunderland made the Stadium of Light feel like a throwback to their most fearless days, coming from behind to claim a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace on 17 January 2026. Yeremy Pino’s scrappy opener had threatened to puncture the mood, but Enzo Le Fée’s ice-cold first-time finish levelled it before the break and Brian Brobbey’s thunderous winner off the crossbar settled a gripping contest. The Sunderland vs Crystal Palace Score tells one story; the way Sunderland hunted the game and made Palace cling on tells an even louder one.
First Half
Sunderland began with front-foot intent, pinning Crystal Palace back with early set-piece pressure and long throws that turned every restart into a moment of unease for the visitors. The first clear warning came when Trai Hume met a delivery with a close-range header that drifted just wide, a miss that briefly felt like it might come back to bite.
Palace weathered that early surge and started to thread passes through midfield, and they struck first from a corner on the half-hour. The ball broke kindly in the area and Pino reacted quickest, drilling a finish inside the right post to silence the home end. It was a punch, but not a knockout.
Sunderland’s response was immediate and full of purpose. They didn’t retreat into frustration; they turned the game into a series of waves. Le Fée, buzzing between the lines, found pockets of space, and when Mukiele fed him inside the box, the Frenchman didn’t hesitate—one touch, one strike, bottom corner. At 1-1, the night reset, and Sunderland looked the side with more ways to hurt their opponent.
Crystal Palace thought they had regained the lead just before half-time through Jean-Philippe Mateta, but the flag cut the celebration short. That offside call mattered: instead of heading into the interval behind, Sunderland walked off believing the game was there to be taken.
Key Moments
- Robin Roefs denied Mateta early on with a sharp save to keep Sunderland steady.
- Pino opened the scoring for Crystal Palace from a corner, finishing through a crowded area.
- Le Fée equalised with a first-time strike after smart work from Mukiele.
- Mateta had a goal ruled out for offside in stoppage time of the first half.
Second Half
The second period carried the same edge, but Sunderland played it with more authority. They moved the ball quicker, pressed with more conviction, and forced Palace deeper than they would have wanted. Dean Henderson became increasingly busy—first clawing away a towering Hume header, then standing tall again when Sunderland found space at the back post and attacked the box with real bite.
Palace had their moments, most notably when Pino bent a free kick narrowly over, but the pattern was clear: Sunderland were the ones asking the bigger questions. And on 71 minutes, they finally got the answer they’d been chasing. A neat pass from Noah Sadiki opened the lane, Brobbey shifted his body and unleashed a strike that crashed in off the crossbar. It was the kind of finish that lifts a stadium, the kind that turns anxiety into certainty.
The final stretch was frantic. Crystal Palace threw crosses into the area, tried to manufacture chaos from corners and long throws, and Sunderland had to defend with their hearts as much as their shape. Yet the clearest late chances still fell to the home side: Mayenda’s touch and shot forced a brilliant stop from Henderson, Ballard’s rebound effort was somehow kept out again, and a third attempt flew over with the crowd already rising.
When the whistle went, the roar wasn’t just for the Sunderland vs Crystal Palace Result—it was for the character of the performance: a team that conceded, responded, and then refused to let go.
Key Moments
- Henderson produced a string of saves to keep Crystal Palace alive as Sunderland turned the screw.
- Brobbey blasted Sunderland in front with a strike that came back off the crossbar and in.
- Sunderland went close to sealing it late as Mayenda and Ballard were denied in quick succession.
- Palace pushed with late deliveries, but Sunderland’s back line held firm to full time.
Sunderland vs Crystal Palace Stats Breakdown
This Sunderland vs Crystal Palace Match Report is backed up by the numbers. Sunderland finished with 57% possession and a decisive edge in shot volume (13 to 6), but the bigger separator was shot quality and territory: 10 of Sunderland’s efforts came from inside the box, compared to Palace’s five.
The Sunderland vs Crystal Palace Stats also underline how much work Henderson had to do. Palace’s goalkeeper made five saves, while Roefs was called upon just once, a reflection of how Sunderland limited clean looks despite Palace having dangerous runners between the lines. The xG picture leaned heavily homeward too: Sunderland posted 1.71 xG to Crystal Palace’s 0.61, and Sunderland’s xG on target (2.65) showed how often they forced high-grade interventions.
From a Sunderland vs Crystal Palace Analysis perspective, the match swung on two themes: Sunderland’s sustained pressure after conceding, and their ability to repeatedly access the box through wide deliveries and second balls. Palace carried an attacking threat in moments—particularly on set plays and quick switches—but they spent too much of the second half absorbing pressure and too little time turning possession into shots.
For supporters searching Sunderland vs Crystal Palace Highlights, the key clips are obvious: Pino’s opener, Le Fée’s composed equaliser, and Brobbey’s emphatic winner—plus Henderson’s late double-save sequence that kept the scoreline tight until the end.
Sunderland vs Crystal Palace Goals: Yeremy Pino (30’) for Crystal Palace; Enzo Le Fée (33’) and Brian Brobbey (71’) for Sunderland.
Sunderland vs Crystal Palace Lineups
Sunderland XI (5-4-1): Roefs; Hume, Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Mandava; Le Fée, Xhaka, Sadiki, Mundle; Brobbey.
Crystal Palace XI (3-4-2-1): Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Lerma; Devenny, Wharton, Hughes, Mitchell; Johnson, Pino; Mateta.
Substitutions: Mayenda on for Brobbey (84’); Cirkin on for Mundle (88’).
Player of the Match
Enzo Le Fée (Sunderland) edged it in a contest full of big contributions. His equaliser changed the emotional temperature of the game, and his influence in possession kept Sunderland’s attacks flowing when Palace were trying to slow the rhythm. Brobbey delivered the decisive moment, but Le Fée’s calm and craft were the thread running through Sunderland’s best spells.
What the Result Means
The Sunderland vs Crystal Palace Result is the kind that can shape a season: a comeback win, built on sustained pressure and genuine attacking conviction. For Sunderland, it reinforces belief that their game plan stands up even after setbacks, and it offers a timely reminder that the Stadium of Light can still be a difficult place for visitors when the crowd senses momentum.
For Crystal Palace, this Crystal Palace match today will sting because they had the lead and a route into half-time with it, only to be pulled back immediately and then outmuscled in the second half. The post-match reaction will focus on game management and turning possession spells into clearer chances, because the defensive effort was huge—but it wasn’t enough to protect the advantage.
There will be no more action in this match as the referee signals full time.
90+4'
Yeremy Pino (Crystal Palace) makes a reckless foul in order to win the ball from his opponent. Robert Jones has a clear sight of it and blows his whistle.
90+2'
Tyrick Mitchell (Crystal Palace) sends a cross into the box, but the opposition's defence quickly intercepts the ball.
90'
4 additional min. will be played.
90'
A nice lofted cross finds Eliezer Mayenda (Sunderland) unmarked. He takes an excellent touch and gets in a shot that goes towards the bottom right post, but the goalkeeper makes a brilliant save! Daniel Ballard (Sunderland) gets to a rebound in front of goal and sends the ball towards the bottom right corner. However, he couldn't beat Dean Henderson, who shows off his superb goalkeeping ability by pulling off a great save. Enzo Le Fee (Sunderland) strikes the rebound, but it goes well over the bar.
89'
The current number of corner kicks is 3:4.
88'
Regis Le Bris has decided to substitute Romaine Mundle and he is replaced by Dennis Cirkin (Sunderland).
87'
Justin Devenny (Crystal Palace) is penalised for a foul. Robert Jones had a clear view and blows his whistle.
85'
Tyrick Mitchell (Crystal Palace) swings a cross into the box, but it's far too close to Robin Roefs, who smothers the ball.
85'
Chris Richards (Crystal Palace) sends the ball into the penalty area from a throw-in as if it's a corner kick.
84'
The referee signals a substitution. Eliezer Mayenda (Sunderland) is brought on as a substitute for Brian Brobbey.
83'
Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace) gets himself onto the end of the corner, but his header is blocked.
83'
Yeremy Pino (Crystal Palace) takes the corner.
83'
Tyrick Mitchell (Crystal Palace) fails to send a pass into the box as his effort is cut out. The ball goes behind for a corner. Crystal Palace will have an opportunity to threaten the opposition's goal.
82'
Crystal Palace players are exchanging short passes with one another, waiting for the right moment to beat the opposition's defence.
81'
The goalkeeper punched the ball away after Yeremy Pino (Crystal Palace) took the corner.
80'
Justin Devenny (Crystal Palace) sends a beautiful cross into the penalty area, but the opposition's defence manages to clear the ball to safety. Crystal Palace have been awarded a corner kick.
79'
Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace) is unable to feed a through ball into the path of his teammates. The ball is off of the pitch and it's a goal kick for Sunderland.
79'
Enzo Le Fee (Sunderland) whips in the corner, but one of the defending players gets a head on it and intercepts.
78'
Trai Hume (Sunderland) receives a precise pass in the box and takes the shot early. The ball heads towards the roof of the net, but Dean Henderson shows off his skills and makes a brilliant save to deny him. The referee and one of his assistants signal for a corner kick to Sunderland.
76'
The ball flies way wide of the left post as Trai Hume (Sunderland) produces an imprecise volley strike from long distance.
74'
Yeremy Pino (Crystal Palace) sends in a cross from a long-range free kick. However, his effort lacks accuracy and the ball sails off the pitch. The ball goes out of play and Sunderland will have a goal kick.
73'
Daniel Ballard (Sunderland) trips an opposition player and Robert Jones signals a foul. Crystal Palace will take a free kick.
71'
2 - 1
Noah Sadiki plays a neat ball into the path of Brian Brobbey (Sunderland), who makes room for a shot and fires in off the crossbar! 2:1.
69'
7:5 – the total goal attempt statistics. The number of shots on goal at present is 3:2.
69'
Nordi Mukiele (Sunderland) attempts to find the head of one of his teammates with a promising cross into the box, but a defender outjumps the attackers and averts the threat.
68'
Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace) sends a long cross over to Tyrick Mitchell, but Robin Roefs comes forward to gather the ball.
66'
Omar Alderete (Sunderland) goes into the book for bad language. His vulgar comments could have made it worse. Luckily for him, it's a yellow card.
66'
Neat passing move from Sunderland in order to create new attacking opportunities.
63'
Whoa! Such gestures are commonly penalised and Nordi Mukiele (Sunderland) duly receives a yellow card.
63'
Tyrick Mitchell (Crystal Palace) gives the referee no choice but to show him a yellow card.
57'
Noah Sadiki (Sunderland) fails to pick a body out in the box with an over-hit cross to the back post. The ball goes out of play and Crystal Palace will have a goal kick.
57'
Romaine Mundle (Sunderland) gets on the ball and beats an opponent, but his run is stopped by the referee Robert Jones who sees an offensive foul.
55'
Omar Alderete (Sunderland) pounces on the rebound on the edge of the box but his wild shot goes high over the crossbar.
55'
Romaine Mundle (Sunderland) goes down under a challenge in the box, but the ref immediately waves away the appeals from all players.
54'
Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace) sends a long ball in, but Robin Roefs comfortably gathers the ball.
51'
Trai Hume (Sunderland) rises above the defenders and places a towering header towards the top left corner, but Dean Henderson is prepared and leaps to thwart him.
49'
Yeremy Pino (Crystal Palace) takes the free kick and unleashes a strong shot from mid-range. Unfortunately for him, the ball curls inches over the crossbar. What a squandered chance!
48'
Trai Hume (Sunderland) is booked.
48'
Some great controlled play and passing in the middle of the pitch from Sunderland.
46'
The whistle blows and Robert Jones starts the second half.
45+3'
The first half of today's match has just finished.
45+2'
Brennan Johnson (Crystal Palace) clips a neat ball into the box in the direction of Yeremy Pino, but he can't get on the end of the pass. The ball is off of the pitch and it's a goal kick for Sunderland.
45+1'
Gooal! No wait, it's been ruled out for offside. Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace) disagrees, but the linesman is sure about his call.
45'
There will be a minimum of 2 min. of added time.
44'
An accurate cross finds its way to Daniel Ballard (Sunderland) who sends in a bullet header towards the middle of the target from just outside the box, but the goalkeeper makes the save.
43'
A cross is whipped in towards Tyrick Mitchell (Crystal Palace) on the edge of the six-yard box. He wins the ball but sends his header just wide of the right post.
42'
Brennan Johnson (Crystal Palace) once again attempts to send a defence-splitting pass, but the opposition's defence is alert and intercepts the ball.
42'
Great teamplay by Crystal Palace as they control the ball with a lot of short passes. Patience is the key if they want to find a gap in the defence to score.
39'
Romaine Mundle (Sunderland) sees an unmarked teammate and attempts to send him a low pass. However, one of the defenders reads the game perfectly and averts the danger.
38'
Noah Sadiki (Sunderland) brings an opponent down and Robert Jones interrupts the game. Crystal Palace have a free kick.
37'
Granit Xhaka (Sunderland) sends over a free kick from long range but the defence is alert.
36'
This yellow card was deserved. The tackle by Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace) was quite harsh and Robert Jones didn't hesitate to show him a yellow card.
33'
1 - 1
What a goal! Nordi Mukiele plays it to Enzo Le Fee (Sunderland), who finds himself unmarked inside the box and slots a first-time shot past Dean Henderson into the bottom right corner. 1:1.
32'
Total attempts – 3:2. 0:2 - the latest stats for both teams in respect of shots on target.
30'
0 - 1
Yeremy Pino (Crystal Palace) scores from the resulting corner. The ball slips through the box to Yeremy Pino (Crystal Palace) and he blasts it inside the right post, giving the goalkeeper no chance.
30'
Will Hughes (Crystal Palace) sends the corner into the box, but Robin Roefs intercepts it and averts the threat.
29'
Daniel Ballard (Sunderland) is penalised for holding. Robert Jones signals a set piece.
28'
Enzo Le Fee whips in the corner and finds Trai Hume (Sunderland) in space with just the keeper to beat, but somehow he plants his header just past the right post from close in. He should have scored!
28'
Enzo Le Fee (Sunderland) looks like he will be the one to try and deliver a quality ball into the penalty box from the corner kick.
26'
Enzo Le Fee (Sunderland) plays a dangerous chip pass into the box in an attempt to set up one of his teammates, but the effort is intercepted by one of the defenders.
26'
A pass by Noah Sadiki (Sunderland) ends up in no man's land, and the attacking effort comes to an end. The ball is behind the touchline and Crystal Palace will take a throw-in.
23'
Brian Brobbey (Sunderland) displays brilliant awareness in the penalty box and sends in a first-time shot. He didn't hit the ball properly and it goes well wide of the left post.
22'
The referee blows his whistle, a clear handball by Will Hughes (Crystal Palace).
22'
Will Hughes (Crystal Palace) whips a promising cross into the box, but the opposition's defence intercepts the ball.
21'
Noah Sadiki (Sunderland) sends a long cross over to Nordi Mukiele, but Dean Henderson comes forward to gather the ball.
18'
Good defending. Brennan Johnson (Crystal Palace) tries to find Yeremy Pino inside the box, but the pass is cut out. The ball is off of the pitch and it's a goal kick for Sunderland.
18'
Granit Xhaka (Sunderland) puts a cross into the box from the free kick but it's cleared.
17'
Chris Richards (Crystal Palace) has tested the patience of referee Robert Jones and goes into the book for a previous late challenge.
16'
Ball possession – 68:32.
16'
The resulting corner from Will Hughes (Crystal Palace) is cleared by the opposition's defence.
15'
Daniel Ballard (Sunderland) threads a pass through to Brian Brobbey, but Dean Henderson breaks up the move.
13'
Enzo Le Fee (Sunderland) takes a long run up and launches the free kick towards goal from the edge of the box, but the defensive wall bravely blocks the effort.
12'
Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace) brings his opponent down with a tackle and Robert Jones blows his whistle for a foul. Sunderland have a free kick from a promising distance.
11'
Romaine Mundle (Sunderland) tries to find Reinildo Mandava, but he puts too much power on the pass. The ball goes out of play and Crystal Palace will have a goal kick.
9'
Reinildo Mandava (Sunderland) passes the ball into the box but an opposing player clears.
9'
Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace) is clearly in an offside position after the ball is played through to him and the linesman raises his flag.
7'
Great save! Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace) had time and space inside the box after picking up a neat pass, but his shot towards the left side of the goal was brilliantly saved by Robin Roefs.
6'
Nordi Mukiele (Sunderland) produces a lovely ball into the penalty area but the defender manages to intercept and comfortably averts the danger.
4'
Nordi Mukiele (Sunderland) has the ability to send the ball deep into the penalty area from throw-ins and it can lead to very promising situations for his team.
3'
Granit Xhaka (Sunderland) steps up to take the corner, but the ball just sails in among the defenders.
3'
One of the defenders reacts at the last minute to brilliantly block a pass from Trai Hume (Sunderland). Sunderland will have a chance to score from a corner kick.
1'
The referee blows his whistle and we are underway.
The players are out and the match is about to start. Crystal Palace will have the kick-off.
Robert Jones will officiate today.
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