“Fine margins decided this match. Enzo Le Fée made a massive impact with his understanding of football and versatility in different positions.” — Régis Le Bris, Sunderland manager
Dramatic Late Winner Crowns Tactical Battle
Wilson Isidor capped off a memorable weekend with a stoppage-time winner as Sunderland secured their second victory in three Premier League matches with a 2-1 triumph over Brentford.
The French striker, who became a father just days earlier when his partner gave birth to their daughter on Friday, came off the bench to head home a 96th-minute cross from Granit Xhaka.
The goal completed a remarkable turnaround for the hosts, who had fallen behind to Igor Thiago’s header before Enzo Le Fée leveled from the penalty spot.
Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris acknowledged after the match that he still hopes to sign another striker before the transfer window closes, but Isidor’s impact as a substitute might give him reason to reconsider.
Tactical Chess Match Between Former Colleagues
The match showcased an intriguing tactical battle between Le Bris and Brentford manager Keith Andrews, with both demonstrating their coaching acumen.
Le Bris’s defensive organization, combined with Le Fée’s creative influence in midfield, suggests Sunderland could successfully adapt to life in the top flight following their promotion.
For Andrews, the absence of Yoane Wissa – who continues to push for a move to Newcastle United – left a significant void in attack, despite the manager reiterating that he “fully expects” the DR Congo international to remain at the club beyond the transfer deadline.
First Half: Ouattara’s Disallowed Goal
The first half saw Brentford’s club-record signing Dango Ouattara have a goal disallowed for offside after an impressive individual run.
The 22-year-old Burkina Faso winger, who developed under Le Bris at Lorient before a 20 million pound move to Bournemouth, controlled a reverse pass from Nathan Collins and glided between Sunderland’s central defensive pairing of Nordi Mukiele and Omar Alderete.
His audacious finish past Robin Roefs was ultimately ruled out following a VAR check that detected a fractional offside.
Homecoming for Henderson
The match marked a significant occasion for Jordan Henderson, who returned to the club where he began his career.
The former Liverpool captain, now at the base of Brentford’s midfield, received a warm reception from the Sunderland faithful and responded with an accomplished performance.
Henderson controlled the tempo effectively and delivered several high-quality long passes before being substituted to a standing ovation from his former supporters.
Second Half: Penalty Drama and Late Goals
The tactical stalemate continued after the break until Brentford were awarded a penalty when Reinildo Mandava fouled Collins off the ball.
Kevin Schade stepped up but saw his spot-kick saved by Roefs, the impressive Netherlands Under-21 goalkeeper who maintained his composure to keep Sunderland level.
The hosts nearly capitalized on this reprieve when Habib Diarra had a golden opportunity to volley home a cross from Le Fée, but failed to convert.
This missed chance proved costly when Brentford took the lead through Thiago, who headed home Frank Onyeka’s cross beyond the reach of Roefs.
Sunderland’s Comeback
Sunderland’s response was swift and effective.
They were awarded a penalty when Rico Henry pulled down Diarra in the box, and Le Fée stepped up to convert confidently, driving the ball hard and low into the bottom right corner.
With the scores level, both teams pushed for a winner, and it was Sunderland who found it in the sixth minute of stoppage time.
Xhaka exchanged passes with Le Fée before delivering a precise cross that Isidor met with a powerful header.
Brentford goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher got a touch but couldn’t prevent the ball from finding the net, sparking jubilant celebrations at the Stadium of Light.
Key Performers
Midfield Masterclass
The midfield battle featured several standout performers, with Le Fée and Xhaka particularly influential for the hosts.
Le Fée, another graduate of Le Bris’s Lorient academy, showcased his technical ability and vision throughout, while Xhaka provided leadership and experience in a role similar to what Henderson might have offered had Sunderland succeeded in signing him from Ajax this summer.
Goalkeeper Heroics
Roefs proved his worth with a crucial penalty save that kept Sunderland in the game at a critical juncture.
The young Dutch goalkeeper’s performance will give Le Bris confidence in his last line of defense as they navigate their Premier League campaign.
Match Statistics
| Statistic | Sunderland | Brentford |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 52% | 48% |
| Shots | 12 | 9 |
| Shots on Target | 5 | 4 |
| Corners | 6 | 5 |
| Fouls | 11 | 14 |
| Yellow Cards | 2 | 3 |
Manager Reactions
Andrews expressed disappointment with the result, acknowledging that his team had opportunities to secure at least a point.
“We’re very disappointed. We had chances to win the game and at minimum should have taken a point back to London. The absence of Wissa is felt, but I fully expect him to remain with us beyond the transfer deadline.”
Meanwhile, Le Bris praised his team’s resilience and highlighted the impact of key players like Le Fée.
“It was a match of fine margins that went our way today. Enzo understands football deeply and can play different positions effectively. He made a massive impact, as did our substitutes.”
Looking Ahead
The victory lifts Sunderland to six points from their opening three matches, a promising start for the newly-promoted side.
Le Bris will now turn his attention to potential transfer business before Monday’s deadline, with a striker still on his wishlist despite Isidor’s heroics.
For Brentford, resolving Wissa’s situation remains a priority as they look to strengthen their attacking options and bounce back from this disappointing defeat.
