Key conclusions as Sunderland keep European hopes alive with 3-1 at Everton | OneFootball

Sunderland kept their European push alive with a 3-1 victory at Everton on Sunday. A final-day tilt at the Europa League remains within reach.

Sunderland Echo notes that Régis Le Bris’s side controlled the first half, about 70 percent possession by the half-hour, without incision. He kept the Manchester United shape and again used Trai Hume on the right.

Le Bris acted early, summoning Chemsdine Talbi as Sunderland equalised while he was warming up. Everton rallied briefly, then Wilson Isidor, Chris Rigg and Habib Diarra provided the legs that turned the game, with Diarra supplying an overdue spark.

The response followed a wobble. After a heavy home defeat to Nottingham Forest, Sunderland dug in to take something at Wolves with ten men, then performed well against Manchester United and earned a point that kept them in range.

Their trendline is encouraging. The form table has them eighth over the last 10 games and 12th over the last six, with Enzo Le Fée central and youngsters gaining minutes ahead of a pivotal window.

It also matters financially. Last season each Premier League place was worth roughly £2.6 million, and this win leaves 12th as their floor, dependent on defeat to Chelsea, an Everton win over Spurs and Newcastle v Fulham not ending level.

Brentford’s late leveller at Crystal Palace trimmed the gloss, yet Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s late strike against Brighton kept the door ajar. With 50 points, two derby wins and a 2000th league victory, another twist cannot be ruled out.

Source: Sunderland Echo