Everton v Sunderland: Six Red and White wins at Goodison since the war

Jermaine Defoe wheels away in celebration after securing Sunderland's 2-0 win over Everton at Goodison Park in 2015. Picture by Frank Reid

The Black Cats have won away to Everton in two of the last three campaigns, but succumbed to a 6-2 drubbing at Goodison last season.

In all, Sunderland have endured a dismal record against the Toffees on Merseyside, with just six wins and four draws in 37 post-war league visits.

Here we look back at each of Sunderland’s post-war Goodison successes.

Everton 0 Sunderland 2: May 9, 2015

Three massive points in the fight for survival.

Following a dreadfully dull first half, when Sunderland were indebted to three superb saves from Costel Pantilimon, the Black Cats went ahead against the run of play early in the second half when Jordi Gomez’s shot deflected off Graham and left Tim Howard stranded.

Sunderland doubled their advantage with five minutes to go - again with a slice of luck - when Adam Johnson’s cross deflected off Seamus Coleman and then Jermain Defoe before bobbling into the net.

Everton 0 Sunderland 1: December 26, 2013

Sunderland grabbed all three points thanks to a monumental mix-up between Everton keeper Tim Howard and midfielder Leon Osman midway through the first half.

The American was sent off for a foul on loan star Ki Sung-Yeung, who converted the resulting penalty for what proved to be the only goal.

Gus Poyet, celebrating only Sunderland’s third win of the league season, said: “Three points is something incredible.”

Everton 1 Sunderland 3: November 30, 1996

Arguably Michael Bridges’ best day in red and white.

Sunderland rocked Everton with a barnstorming performance which earned Peter Reid’s men only their fourth win of the campaign.

Sunderland were outstanding throughout and went ahead with a Craig Russell goal in the 55th minute, though Duncan Ferguson levelled nine minutes later.

The visitors deservedly regained the lead with a goal from youngster Bridges on 75 minutes, and he made sure of three precious points with a third goal three minutes from time.

Everton 1 Sunderland 2: November 21, 1981

Alan Durban’s men bagged only a third win in Division One, but stayed bottom of the table.

Peter Eastoe fired Howard Kendall’s Toffees into an ominous lead on the hour mark, but Sunderland showed their resilience to equalise with a Tom Ritchie penalty on 75 minutes, before Shaun Elliott got up to bag a welcome winner six minutes from time.

Everton 1 Sunderland 2: March 10, 1956

The Rokermen hit back from the loss of an early goal to climb to fifth place in Division One.

Centre-forward Jimmy Harris gave Everton the perfect start, netting after just five minutes, but Bill Holden - the two-goal hero of a 2-0 FA Cup sixth round win at Newcastle the previous weekend - came up trumps again for the Red and Whites, levelling on 29 minutes before bagging a dramatic winner 12 minutes from time.

Everton 0 Sunderland 2: December 10, 1949

Sunderland picked up only their second away win of the season to stay eighth in Division One.

Tommy Wright made the breakthrough after 18 minutes, with centre-forward Dickie Davis adding a killer second goal three minutes before half-time. It was the season Sunderland last challenged for the title, finishing third.