AliousSunderland AFC held by AFC Bournemouth after Mayenda opener
Eliezer Mayenda’s first-half strike gave Sunderland the advantage on the south coast, but substitute Evanilson levelled after the break to earn Bournemouth a share of the spoils.
Back on track — sort of
While it was not a victory, the draw represented a stabilising result for Sunderland following three straight league defeats.
The Black Cats were outstanding in the opening 45 minutes, pressing aggressively and attacking with speed and intent. Mayenda’s goal was no more than they deserved, and Regis Le Bris’ side were worthy of their half-time lead.
Chosen ahead of Wilson Isidor to replace the injured Brian Brobbey, Mayenda justified his selection. In the 18th minute, the Spaniard reacted quickest after Djordje Petrovic parried Habib Diarra’s low effort into his path, volleying home confidently.
Beyond the goal, Mayenda impressed with his hold-up play and willingness to battle physically with defenders James Hill and Marcos Senesi. With Brobbey absent, there had been concerns that Sunderland would struggle to retain possession up front, but Mayenda repeatedly shielded the ball and brought teammates into play effectively.
Although his influence waned slightly in the second half, he had already done enough to underline his value.
Momentum shifts after the interval
Sunderland had a golden chance to extend their lead shortly after the restart. A superb through ball from Enzo Le Fee sent Habib Diarra clear, but his effort was too close to Petrovic, who made the save.
From that point, the momentum swung decisively in Bournemouth’s favour. The introduction of Evanilson at half-time by manager Andoni Iraola gave the hosts greater attacking thrust, and the pressure began to mount.
The equaliser arrived in the 63rd minute. A quickly taken free-kick allowed Marcus Tavernier to deliver from the left, and after goalkeeper Robin Roefs hesitated, Evanilson rose above Omar Alderete to guide the ball in off his shoulder.
Given their dominance in the second half, Bournemouth may feel they could have claimed all three points. However, considering Sunderland’s depleted squad, the away performance was commendable and leaves them just three points shy of the 40-point safety target highlighted by Le Bris.
Early penalty controversy
The match was not without contentious moments. Sunderland felt they should have been awarded a penalty inside the opening five minutes when Alex Jimenez barged into the back of Le Fee as he prepared to shoot. Referee Jarred Gillett waved play on, and VAR chose not to intervene, categorising the contact as routine.
Former referees’ chief Mike Dean criticised the decision on Sky Sports, arguing that the challenge was a clear foul.
Further debate followed in the second half when Tyler Adams received only a yellow card for a robust challenge on Granit Xhaka — another incident VAR opted not to review further.
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