Key conclusions from Sunderland’s crucial 3-1 win at Everton | OneFootball

Sunderland kept their European push alive with a 3-1 victory at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday, setting up a tantalising final-day trip to Chelsea.

According to Sunderland Echo, momentum returned after a heavy home defeat to Nottingham Forest, with a result at Wolves while down to 10 and a point against Manchester United sustaining belief.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s late goal against Brighton also kept the Europa League picture favourable. Sunderland now have 50 points, two derby wins and a landmark 2000th league victory. Under Régis Le Bris, a European finish with a win at Chelsea cannot be ruled out.

They controlled the first half, nearing 70% possession by the half-hour, but lacked incision. Le Bris kept the Manchester United shape and Trai Hume wide on the right, then acted early, introducing Chemsdine Talbi before later sending on Wilson Isidor, Chris Rigg and Habib Diarra to inject pace. Diarra’s cameo was timely, and there is little doubt Rigg will have a big role next season.

Recent form is encouraging, eighth over the last 10 games and twelfth over the last six, with Enzo Le Fée thriving centrally to ease creative issues. Avoiding any second-season dip still requires better underlying numbers and a pivotal summer to add depth and retain key players. Financially, last season each league place was worth about £2.6 million, and finishing seventh or eighth could add close to £10 million.

Source: Sunderland Echo