Robin Roefs scare in warm-up as Habib Diarra and Nilson Angulo suffer Fulham blows

Wilson Isidor struck after earlier hitting the post at the Stadium of Light. A pre-match worry for Robin Roefs and knocks to Habib Diarra and Nilson Angulo shaped the afternoon.

According to Sunderland Echo, Fulham arrived under Alvaro Arbeloa after Marco Silva’s exit, having been the only team to complete a league double over them last season.

Roefs looked uncomfortable in the warm-up yet started. Early on Régis Le Bris’ side rotated, Enzo Le Fée drifting right and Trai Hume stepping into midfield, but Sunderland’s slow build met Fulham’s reluctance to press. In the 13th minute Nordi Mukiele exchanged words with Reinildo before Thomas Meunier forced the first effort after Noah Sadiki won the ball and combined with Granit Xhaka and Le Fée.

Soon after the restart Angulo took a heavy midriff blow from César Palacios and needed treatment. By the 59th minute fans were chanting for Chemsdine Talbi, but on 64 minutes Le Bris instead replaced Angulo and Brian Brobbey with Diarra and Isidor, leaving no recognised winger.

On 70 minutes Le Fée crossed from the left for Isidor, who struck the post. Moments later Diarra burst down the right and squared, and this time Isidor converted for the breakthrough.

Diarra then appeared to suffer a leg problem and was forced off, with Chris Rigg introduced with seven minutes left. Sunderland held on for their first Premier League win of the campaign.

Source: Sunderland Echo

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