Swansea 2 Sunderland 1: Highlights after defeat at the Swansea.com Stadium despite Jack Clarke goal
The Black Cats fell behind in the 13th minute when Luke Cundle’s effort deflected off Luke O’Nien and past goalkeeper Anthony Patterson.
It was a tough first half for Tony Mowbray’s side as the hosts dominated possession and doubled their lead through Harry Darling on the stroke of half-time.
Sunderland pulled a goal back through Jack Clarke at the start of the second half but couldn’t salvage a point.
Here’s how the game played out:
RECAP: Swansea 2 (Cooper, 13) (Darling, 45) Sunderland 1 (Clarke, 51)
Key Events
- Sunderland XI: Patterson, Gooch, Batth, O’Nien, Alese, Evans, Neil (Ba, 77), Embleton (Matete, 77), Roberts (Bennette, 63), Pritchard (Amad, 77), Clarke
- Subs: Bass, Cirkin, Wright, Ba, Matete, Bennette, Amad
- Swansea XI: Benda, Wood (Sorinola, 77), Darling, Cabango, Latibeadiere, Fulton, Grimes, Manning, Piroe (Oko-Flex, 87), Cooper (Ntcham, 58), Cundle (Obafemi, 58) , Piroe
- Subs: Fisher, Naughton, Sorinola, Stevens, Ntcham, Oko-Flex, Obafemi
13’ Goal Swansea (Cooper)
‘Ollie Cooper, he’s one of our own,’ chant the home fans.
Sunderland were cut open on the left as Manning clipped the ball to Grimes in the box.
The midfielder then cut the ball back for Cooper, whose effort deflected off O’Nien and into the net.
1-0 Swansea.
21’ Sunderland finding it tough
Swansea have played some really neat football in this first half and have dominated possession with 63 per cent.
Sunderland have struggled to retain possession for large spells.
Dan Neil has also been shown the first yellow card of the match.
25’ Evans booked
Evans is shown a yellow card for a foul on Cundle.
Alese has also had to change his shirt which had been ripped.
The game is back under way now.
33’ Sunderland chasing the ball
Sunderland are being forced to do a lot of work off the ball here, with Swansea moving the ball quickly and playing it into space.
Even when Sunderland are trying to press high up the pitch the hosts are finding a way through.
38’ A couple of corners for Sunderland
That was a bit better from Sunderland as Roberts, then Clarke won a corner for their side.
Neither set-piece came to anything, though, and now Swansea fans are unhappy after a tackle from Roberts on Cooper when the hosts looked to break.
41’ Manning down
The game has now been stopped as Manning receives treatment.
Looks like he’ll be able to continue.
45’ Goal Swansea (Darling)
Right on the stroke of half-time.
Alese conceded a free-kick for a foul on Fulton and Manning’s delivery was met by the head of Cabango.
The ball then dropped for Darling who converted from close range.
2-0 Swansea.
47’ Patterson saves
Bright start to the second half from Swansea as Manning’s dipping effort is parried away by Patterson.
No one was there to convert the rebound.
51’ GOAAALLLLL!!! CLARKE!!!
Clarke has been moved into a central position in this second half, with Embleton moving to the left, and the move has paid off.
Clake did well to charge into the box and cut in onto his right foot before beating Benda with a low finish across goal.
Game on!
54’ Embleton and Fulton booked
Embleton and Fulton are both booked after a coming together near the touchline.
Players from both sides got involved before the situation was resolved.
63’ Bennette comes on
Bennette replaces Roberts as Mowbray makes his first change.
Bennette is going to play on the right.