On a freezing night at Wearside, the Black Cats knew going into the game that a win would move the club up to seventh place with a win and move 10 points away from the relegation places… but that wasn’t the case.
In the first half, Sunderland took the lead thanks to Amad, on loan from Manchester United, who converted the penalty he had helped win after a superb one-two with Luke O’Nien.
ancient celtic man Tom Rogic then tied the scores for West Brom in the second half with a brilliant finish to beat Anthony Patterson after much pressure from the Baggies. Daryl Dike then gave the visitors the lead with seven minutes remaining.
But there are moments that can be missed during the game… here we take a look at some of the interesting events you might have missed back then:
Sunderland show their class off the pitch
As a club, Sunderland showed their class off the pitch even before a ball was kicked at the Stage of Light. It was confirmed on Sunday night that West Brom club doctor Julian Widdowson had died aged 63.
Widdowson joined the Baggies in 2018 and was a hugely popular and respected member of staff at The Hawthorns. Carlos Corberan’s side honored his passing by wearing black armbands against Sunderland
Sunderland responded to the news by paying tribute to West Brom for their tragic loss. Prior to the game, the Black Cats paid tribute to Widdowson’s life on the Stadium of Light scoreboards.
The gesture did not go unnoticed by The Baggies. After the game, Jed Wallace tweeted a photo from the Stadium of Light which included Widdowson’s photo and tribute on the screens and tweeted this message.
He said: “What a comeback and what a performance from the boys. Thanks to everyone at Sunderland for that touch of class let’s keep it going lads”, while the official West Brom account added: “A great touch before the kick off. sending. Thanks @SunderlandAFC.
Sunderland’s unwanted statistic
Sunderland have scored some fine goals this season. Patrick Roberts netted a fine brace against Reading and there was the superb team goal netted by Jack Clarke in the same game.
Manchester United loanee Amad Diallo scored a terrific goal against Birmingham City and we’ve also seen the likes of Ross Stewart, Ellis Simms, Jewison Bennette, Elliot Embleton and Alex Pritchard score some decent goals so far this season.
The one thing they all have in common, though? None of those goals, good as they were, came from a Sunderland corner. Yes, it’s true. The Black Cats are yet to convert a free kick this campaign.
Sunderland have taken 93 corners this season unsuccessfully, hardly surprising given Simms and Stewart’s lengthy injuries.
Josh Kelly returns to Wearside
In another nice touch from Sunderland, Ryhope-born boxer Josh Kelly was welcomed to the Stadium of Light after becoming the British super-welterweight champion earlier this month.
Black Cats fan defeated Newcastle United supporter Troy Williamson to win the belt and received a warm welcome from the spectators.