Ex-England striker joins Sunderland fans as Callum Wilson jeered and new Milan chant debuts at Brentford
A look at some of the moments you may have missed during Sunderland’s Premier League clash with Brentford
Sunderland headed to Brentford looking to build on last weekend’s victory over Fulham and strengthen their early position in the Premier League table.
The Black Cats started the afternoon 11th after taking three points from their opening two games. Wilson Isidor’s late winner secured a 1-0 victory over Fulham, following the opening-day defeat at Ipswich Town.
Sunderland have won ten of their previous 21 meetings with Brentford, losing seven and drawing four. They came from behind to beat the Bees 2-1 at the Stadium of Light last season, with Isidor scoring a dramatic stoppage-time winner, but suffered a 3-0 defeat on their previous visit to the Gtech Community Stadium in January.
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As ever, there was plenty to spot before kick-off and throughout the contest. Here are some of the moments you may have missed.
Le Bris drops Hume and starts Danso
Régis Le Bris made one change from the win over Fulham, handing Kevin Danso his Sunderland debut in place of Trai Hume. The selection meant switching to a back five formation, with Thomas Meunier and Reinildo operating as wing-backs.
Malick Fofana was named among the substitutes following his deadline-day arrival, while Dayann Methalie returned from suspension to take his place on the bench. Romaine Mundle and Habib Diarra missed out through injury, with Diarra facing six to eight weeks on the sidelines. Chemsdine Talbi was also absent amid ongoing speculation over his future.
Familiar face spotted in away end
Former Sunderland striker Fraizer Campbell was among the travelling supporters in the away end at Brentford in London on Saturday afternoon. Campbell made more than 71 appearances in all competitions for the Black Cats, scoring 10 goals.
The former England international also represented Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Hull City, Cardiff City, Crystal Palace and Huddersfield Town during his playing career and was spotted enjoying himself with Black Cats supporters while wearing this season’s Sunderland third shirt with Granit Xhaka printed on the back.
VAR drama denies Dan Ballard
Dan Ballard thought he had given Sunderland the lead with a superb left-footed volley into the bottom corner, only for VAR to intervene.
Referee Thomas Bramall was sent to the pitchside monitor before ruling the goal out, with Danso deemed to have been offside and interfering with Kelleher’s view. The decision prompted frustration among the travelling Sunderland supporters after what would have been an excellent opening goal.
Sadiki moment and new Milan chant
Noah Sadiki could only burst out laughing after his powerful first-half strike was unintentionally blocked by his own teammate Brian Brobbey. The midfielder connected sweetly and appeared to be testing Caoimhín Kelleher before the Sunderland striker got in the way. It was a funny moment, although Sadiki might not laugh quite as much when he watches it back. The goal would have been his first for Sunderland after more than a year of playing regularly for the Black Cats.
The away end debuted a new “Mackems in Milan” chant during the first half, celebrating Sunderland’s forthcoming Europa League trip to face AC Milan at the San Siro. There was also a clear dig at Newcastle United woven into the song, with Sunderland’s travelling support making the most of their neighbours’ previous Champions League trip to the city.
Callum Wilson jeered as Brentford rage at referee
Former Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson replaced Mikkel Damsgaard with four minutes of normal time remaining and was predictably subjected to abuse from Sunderland’s travelling support.
Brentford’s players and fans were furious with referee Thomas Bramall after his penalty decision gave Sunderland a route back into the contest. The home crowd made their feelings clear through loud chants during the closing stages before booing the officials at the final whistle.
Wilson Isidor, who won the penalty converted by Enzo Le Fée, then shared a moment with the 1,700-strong away end as Sunderland’s players acknowledged their support at full-time.
Le Fée and Kelleher rivalry takes another twist
The unlikely penalty rivalry between Enzo Le Fée and Caoimhín Kelleher took another turn at the Gtech Community Stadium. Le Fée beat the Republic of Ireland goalkeeper from the spot during Sunderland’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Brentford at the Stadium of Light last season. He then attempted a Panenka in the reverse fixture, only for Kelleher to stay upright and make a comfortable save. It proved a decisive moment as Brentford ran out convincing 3-0 winners.
Faced with Kelleher again on Saturday, Le Fée abandoned the theatrics and confidently found the net to bring Sunderland level. The Frenchman banished the demons of his previous visit and moved 2-1 ahead in his ongoing battle with the Brentford goalkeeper.