On Saturday, Sunderland made a significant stride toward Premier League survival by defeating the winless Wolves 2-0 at the Stadium of Light.
WATCH — Full match replay: Sunderland vs Wolves
With this victory, Sunderland has accumulated 14 points from eight matches, already exceeding last season’s survival threshold of 26 points. The Black Cats currently sit in 7th place, five spots and five points ahead of Newcastle. The first Tyne-Wear derby is just under two months away, slated for December 14 at the Stadium of Light.
Nordi Mukiele opened the scoring in the 16th minute with a clever finish that sneaked between Sam Johnstone’s legs, making it 1-0. Wolves maintained some pressure late in the game, recording 13 shots in the second half, but they could only manage a meager 0.68 expected goals (xG). An own goal by Ladislav Krejci in the 92nd minute sealed the victory for Sunderland.
Wolves are struggling at the bottom of the table with only two points this season and a goal difference of -11.
What’s next?
- Chelsea vs Sunderland — Saturday, 10 am ET
- Wolves vs Burnley — Sunday, 10 am ET
Live updates for Sunderland vs Wolves – by Andy Edwards
Final score: Sunderland 2-0 Wolves
Goals: Mordi Mukiele (17′), Ladislav Krejci (90’+1 – OG)
GOAL! Sunderland 2-0 Wolves: Krejci’s own goal seals the match (90’+1)
Krejci’s own goal gives Sunderland a 2-0 lead.
The Stadium of Light erupts as Ladislav Krejci inadvertently puts the ball into his own net, confirming Sunderland’s victory over Wolves.
GOAL! Sunderland 1-0 Wolves: Mukiele scores through Johnstone’s legs (17′)
Mukiele nets the opener for Sunderland against Wolves.
Nordi Mukiele ignites the Stadium of Light with an impressive early goal to put Sunderland ahead.
Sunderland starting lineup
Roefs – Hume, Ballard, Alderete, Mukiele – Xhaka, Sadiki, Rigg – Traore, Le Fee, Isidor
Wolves starting lineup
Johnstone – Doherty, S. Bueno, Krejci, H. Bueno – Andre, J. Gomes, Munetsi – Arias, R. Gomes, Strand Larsen
How to watch Sunderland vs Wolves live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 10 am ET, Saturday
Venue: Stadium of Light — Sunderland
TV Channel: Peacock
Streaming: Watch live on Peacock
Sunderland (9th, 11 points) snapped their four-match unbeaten streak against Manchester United before the international break and are finding it challenging to score. After an impressive start with three goals against West Ham and two late goals against Brentford, Sunderland has only managed two goals in their last four matches.
Wolves, currently at the bottom of the table (20th, 2 points), have struggled offensively, scoring just five times, with no individual player finding the net more than once. The departure of Matheus Cunha has left Vitor Pereira’s squad significantly lacking in attacking quality, as they lead the league in fewest goals scored and also struggle with shot attempts (averaging 9.4 per game).
Sunderland team news
OUT: Habib Diarra (groin), Aji Alese (shoulder), Reinildo (suspension), Romaine Mundle (thigh), Leo Fuhr Hjelde (achilles), Dennis Cirkin (wrist) | QUESTIONABLE: Omar Alderete (thigh), Noah Sadiki (ankle)
Wolves team news
OUT: Toti Gomes (illness), Jorge Strand Larsen (undetermined), Matt Doherty (wrist), Leon Chiwone (knee) | QUESTIONABLE: Jean-Ricner Bellegarde (illness), Hee-chan Hwang (undetermined)
Sunderland vs Wolves prediction
A tightly contested match that will be decided in the dying moments, with Sunderland edging out Wolves. Sunderland 1-0 Wolves.