Hill Dickinson Stadium was virtually empty by the time Everton commenced their lap of appreciation, interest in the end-of-season ritual having somewhat evaporated along with the club’s European ambitions. Sunderland now carry European dreams of their own into the final day of an outstanding Premier League return.
Régis Le Bris’ side leapfrogged their opponents in the table courtesy of a commanding second-half display shaped by effective substitutions and an incisiveness that Everton lack. Brian Brobbey, Enzo Le Fée and substitute Wilson Isidor were all on target as Merlin Röhl’s first-half opener was consigned to irrelevance. The Europa or Conference League could be Sunderland’s reward for adapting seamlessly to the top flight should they defeat Chelsea at the Stadium of Light next Sunday.
