Roefs’ save, Le Fée’s nerve and Isidor’s joy: Sunderland’s late surge stuns Brentford

Sunderland found a way. Trailing to Igor Thiago’s header, Régis Le Bris’ team summoned the resolve that has defined their Premier League return, with Robin Roefs’ penalty stop keeping them alive before Enzo Le Fée levelled from the spot and Wilson Isidor climbed in stoppage time to nod in Granit Xhaka’s cross. The Stadium of Light shook as Caoimhín Kelleher got a touch but could not keep the winner out.

The 2-1 victory makes it two wins from three and lifts Sunderland to sixth, the Black Cats also winning their first two Premier League home games for only the second time, the first since 2001-02. On a night of perseverance rewarded, the home crowd’s roar and a late burst of quality carried Le Bris’ side over the line.

Patience pays off for a revamped side

Sunderland’s early enterprise did not immediately translate into clear chances. On his Premier League debut, Nordi Mukiele drove a rising effort over, and despite crisp passing and movement the final ball often fell short against Brentford’s compact shape.

Until Le Fée’s penalty in the 82nd minute, Sunderland had mustered only one shot on target. Yet they stayed composed, with Xhaka’s leadership steadying the midfield and Le Fée probing between the lines on his first Premier League start.

Roefs’ big moment keeps the door ajar

The contest swung when Reinildo Mandava was penalised for dragging Nathan Collins down at a set piece. Kevin Schade’s first senior penalty lacked the conviction to beat Roefs, who guessed right and saved to preserve parity.

That stop proved pivotal. Rather than sag, Sunderland sharpened their press and reasserted control, the crowd sensing Brentford’s missed opportunity had offered an opening.

Le Fée’s composure, then Isidor’s storybook finish

When Brentford substitute Rico Henry was deemed to have pulled Habib Diarra to the ground, Le Fée took responsibility and sent Kelleher the wrong way to level. It was coolness personified from a player settling in swiftly to Premier League demands.

There was still time for a grand finale. Xhaka whipped in a teasing cross from the left and Isidor, a day after announcing the birth of his daughter, rose above the defence to plant a header that Kelleher touched but could not hold. The eruption said everything about the connection between this team and its supporters.

Le Bris’ blueprint takes shape on Wearside

Le Bris has spoken of wanting another striker before the window closes, but Isidor’s second Premier League goal in three appearances offered a timely reminder of in-house firepower. The Frenchman also became only the second player to score in both of his first two Premier League home appearances for Sunderland, after Steven Fletcher in September 2012.

With Xhaka marshalling the midfield, Mukiele bedding in, and Roefs delivering in key moments, Sunderland’s framework looks robust. Back in the top flight for the first time since 2016-17, optimism about avoiding an immediate return to the Championship is growing, fuelled by a pair of roaring home wins.