Enzo Le Fée banishes penalty demons as Sunderland earn hard-fought point at Brentford
Sunderland faced Brentford in the Premier League at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday afternoon
Sunderland came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium, with Enzo Le Fée banishing the memory of last season’s penalty miss against Caoimhín Kelleher.
Vitaly Janelt fired Brentford ahead with a powerful second-half strike before Le Fée converted from the spot after Wilson Isidor was fouled. The Frenchman had attempted a Panenka against Kelleher last season, only to see it comfortably saved.
Régis Le Bris made one change to the side that beat Fulham, handing deadline-day signing Kevin Danso his debut in place of Trai Hume. Malick Fofana was named on the bench following his arrival from Lyon, while Dayann Methalie returned from suspension. Habib Diarra, Romaine Mundle and Chemsdine Talbi were absent from the squad.
Early VAR drama at the Gtech Stadium
Thomas Meunier started on the right wing, with Nordi Mukiele at right-back, as Sunderland looked to use the Belgian’s height through Robin Roefs’ long distribution. Nilson Angulo created the first opening after three minutes, recovering well before finding Noah Sadiki, whose one-two with Brian Brobbey ended with a blocked effort. Brentford responded two minutes later when a short corner caught Sunderland napping, but Keane Lewis-Potter’s side-footed shot was deflected wide.
Dan Ballard then appeared to put Sunderland ahead with a superb left-footed volley into the bottom corner after a free-kick was sent into the box. Following a lengthy VAR check, referee Thomas Bramall was sent to the monitor and ruled the goal out, with Danso deemed offside and interfering with Caoimhín Kelleher’s view.
Brentford forced into early change as Sunderland create chances
Brentford were forced into an early change after Nathan Collins came together with Brian Brobbey and was unable to continue, with Jannik Schuster replacing him. Sunderland went close again in the 20th minute when Enzo Le Fée smashed a right-footed volley against the post.
Three minutes later, excellent work from Angulo and Sadiki created a clear opening for Meunier, but his side-footed effort was blocked. Sadiki was the next to threaten, unleashing a powerful strike which appeared destined to test Kelleher before it was blocked by his own teammate Brobbey.
Sunderland continue to push
Sunderland continued to knock on the door, producing arguably their best football of the season during the opening half-hour. Le Bris’ side moved the ball with confidence and purpose, combining through sharp, free-flowing passing as they took control of the contest.
Sadiki was the next to threaten, unleashing a powerful strike which appeared destined to test Kelleher before it was blocked by his own teammate Brobbey. Sunderland continued to knock on the door, producing arguably their best football of the season during the opening half-hour through confident, free-flowing passing.
Eight minutes of stoppage time gave Brentford the chance to build some momentum before the break, but Sunderland comfortably dealt with a handful of half-chances. Lewis-Potter then fired well over with the final opening of a goalless first half.
Keith Andrews makes changes as Brentford threaten after break
Keith Andrews responded to Brentford’s below-par first-half display with a triple substitution at the break. Aaron Hickey, Yehor Yarmoliuk and Jaidon Anthony replaced Michael Kayode, Mahamadou Sangaré and Dango Ouattara as the hosts attempted to wrestle control away from Sunderland.
Roefs produced a smart save from point-blank range five minutes after the restart, keeping out Brentford’s first shot on target of the afternoon. The hosts improved considerably following their half-time changes and took the lead in the 57th minute. Vitaly Janelt collected the ball outside the box before beating Roefs with a thunderous left-footed strike.
Le Bris goes two up front
Le Bris responded with a double change in the 64th minute, introducing Trai Hume and Wilson Isidor in place of Thomas Meunier and Nilson Angulo as Sunderland searched for a way back into the game, switching to two strikers.
Brentford had the ball in the net for a second time after Ballard had made an important defensive block, but the goal was disallowed for a foul on Roefs, who had clearly been knocked before losing the ball from his hands. Le Bris made his third change with just over 15 minutes remaining, handing Malick Fofana his Sunderland debut in place of Sadiki.
Isidor forced a save from a free-kick with 12 minutes remaining, opting for power but directing his effort straight at Kelleher. Moments later, referee Bramall awarded Sunderland a penalty after Isidor was fouled inside the box. Le Fée converted from the spot, banishing the memories of last season’s meeting when his attempted Panenka was comfortably saved by Kelleher.
The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel.
Six minutes were added on as Sunderland pushed for a winner, although Brentford continued to pose a threat on the counter-attack. Former Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson replaced Damsgaard with four minutes of normal time remaining as both sides searched for a decisive late goal but the game ended level.
Strong point on road for Sunderland
The draw left Sunderland 11th in the Premier League table with four points from their opening three games. Le Bris’ side have now recorded one win, one draw and one defeat, scoring and conceding three goals. Sunderland edged the key attacking statistics at the Gtech Community Stadium. They finished with 51 per cent possession and registered 14 attempts to Brentford’s 12, with five of those efforts hitting the target compared to the hosts’ two.
The visitors also produced an expected-goals figure of 1.94, compared with Brentford’s 1.25, although Le Fée’s penalty contributed heavily to that total. Sunderland struck the woodwork once through Le Fée and also saw Ballard’s excellent first-half finish disallowed following a VAR review.