Bournemouth secured their first Premier League win of the season with a 2-0 victory over Sunderland at the Vitality Stadium, ending a difficult domestic run for Marco Rose's side. The result leaves Sunderland, who remain in the bottom three, without a league win since August and suffering a fourth consecutive defeat.
Early Red Card Decides Contest
Kevin Danso, on loan from Tottenham, was dismissed in the 17th minute for a blatant denial of a goalscoring opportunity, effectively ending Sunderland's hopes on the south coast. The Austrian defender was sent off by referee Craig Pawson after bringing down Evanilson, who had escaped beyond the dallying defender.
Before the red card, Bournemouth had taken the lead when Lewis Cook dabbed the ball forward and Evanilson, restored to the line-leading striker's role, laid up a diving Marcus Tavernier to head home. The Brazilian's unselfishness deepened his reputation as he chose to pass rather than shoot.
Bournemouth Dominate, Sunderland Struggle
Bournemouth piled on the pressure after going a goal and a man up, with Robin Roefs repeatedly asked to bail out bungling Sunderland defenders. There was audible and visible squabbling within the Sunderland ranks over the blame for Rayan and Evanilson enjoying such space. A Danso header was Sunderland's final attempt on goal of the first half.
Rose, who revealed this week he had binge-watched Sunderland 'Til I Die on Netflix, kicked every ball on the sidelines. The German's need for three points was implicit, with the Vitality Stadium modernising fast and relegation battles not to be countenanced.
Evanilson Seals Win
The second goal came via more Sunderland benevolence, as Alderete's brain-fogged back-pass gifted Evanilson the ball. The striker supplied a hip swivel to sit Roefs down and slot into an empty net. Bournemouth could and should have scored more, raining 29 shots on Sunderland's goal by the 70th minute, including Rayan's header being hacked from the line.
With thoughts drifting to Thursday and Milan, seven-times European champions, coming to Dorset in the Europa League, Rose would not allow his players to be distracted. After Sunderland enjoyed a late spell that at last had mackem visitors in full voice, Bournemouth played out the game with admirable calm, Rayan's dancing feet to the fore as the ball was retained.
On this evidence, two clubs facing similar challenges are on very different trajectories.
