Sunderland hosted West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday night knowing that a victory would secure their Premier League status for another season.
It was a perfect start for the Black Cats as Jack Colback opened the scoring with a fine finish in the 13th minute, before Fabio Borini doubled their advantage by volleying home later in the first half.
The Baggies struggled to produce a response to falling two goals behind, and Sunderland comfortably secured the win to make it a disappointing night for Norwich City, who are now set to be relegated on Sunday.
Read below to find out how Sunderland won their fourth game in a row to climb to 14th.
Good evening everyone. We could find out the final team to be relegated tonight as Sunderland take on West Bromwich Albion at the Stadium of Light. Norwich City supporters will certainly be keeping an eye on the score, and you'll be able to follow the events live with me.
Sunderland's incredible run of form at the crucial stage of the season means that they head into this match two points ahead of Norwich, who currently occupy 18th spot in the Premier League. Due to Norwich's far inferior goal difference, a win or a draw for Sunderland this evening would seal the fate of the Canaries.
Although the Baggies are only three points ahead of Norwich, their goal difference is much better, so it would take something quite incredible on Sunday afternoon for them to be relegated. In truth, they're safe, and they could be joined by Sunderland tonight.
We're currently awaiting full team news from both sides, but it has been confirmed that Sunderland are unchanged for the fifth game in a row. It's not broke, so don't fix it. Gus Poyet probably never considered making changes tonight.
SUNDERLAND: Mannone, Vergini, Alonso, Brown, O'Shea, Cattermole, Colback, Larsson, Johnson, Borini, Wickham
SUBSTITUTES: Bardsley, Altidore, Ba, Giaccherini, Bridcutt, Scocco, Ustari
WEST BROM: Foster, Reid, McAuley, Lugano, Brunt, Berahino, Yacob, Morrison, Dorrans, Sessegnon, Anichebe
SUBSTITUTES: Myhill, Dawson, Sinclair, Vydra, Mulumbu, Olsson, O'Neil
As mentioned earlier, the Black Cats are unchanged for this match. Sebastian Larsson, who scored the winner against Manchester United on Saturday, and Adam Johnson will be asked to provide width. Fabio Borini starts once again alongside the league's in-form striker, Connor Wickham.
Baggies head coach Pepe Mel makes five changes to the team which lost to Arsenal on Sunday afternoon. In attack, it will be Victor Anichebe and Saido Berahino who are trusted with the task of causing problems for the hosts, while Claudio Yacob is also welcomed back in midfield as the Spanish coach makes alterations all over the pitch.
Just by looking at the two teams tonight, you can already see some key battles where the match might be won and lost. Diego Lugano has looked far from comfortable since joining the Baggies, so Wickham could fancy his chances of getting the better of the Uruguayan defender tonight. On his return to the Stadium of Light, Stephane Sessegnon will be important for the visitors, and he'll have Lee Cattermole for company for most of the night.
Despite knowing that a draw would keep his side in the Premier League, Poyet insisted prior to this game that his side will be positive as they look to climb above West Brom in the table.
The Uruguayan told the club's website: "The idea is not to play or start the game with a draw in our heads, not at all. We will go for the win first."
PIC: Gus Poyet arrives at the Stadium of Light earlier pic.twitter.com/1Apt4QZVvr
— Sunderland AFC (@SAFCofficial) May 7, 2014
Could Mel be facing the exit after the final two games of this season? Reports continue to suggest that the Spaniard could be asked to leave the club at the end of the campaign, with a release clause even being rumoured to be in place. He's managed to keep the team in the Premier League, and he seems to have a good relationship with the supporters. It would surely be a harsh decision from the club's hierarchy.
Although it seems like the odds are stacked against Norwich, should we really be writing the Canaries off given what we've seen this season? A home defeat tonight would give the Canaries a lifeline heading into the final match. Sunderland will host Swansea on Sunday, while Norwich face a far trickier test against Arsenal.
When these two sides met at the Hawthorns in September, it proved to be an important day for both clubs. The Baggies earned a 3-0 victory on that afternoon to give them the first win of the campaign, while a defeat for Sunderland brought an end to Paolo Di Canio's reign. The mood in both camps has certainly improved since then.
If Sunderland are victorious tonight, it would be their fourth successive win. They haven't achieved that in the Premier League since December 2000, when Kevin Phillips seemed to be terrorising defenders every week. It would be a fantastic way to end the campaign if they could win five in a row.
Remember, this isn't the only game being played in the Premier League tonight. We've also got coverage of Aston Villa's trip to the Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City, who can move another step closer to being crowned champions with a victory.
PREDICTION: We're less than 20 minutes away from the action, so it's time to have a guess at what the score will be tonight. Following there recent run of results, I just cannot look past Sunderland tonight. I'm backing them to secure their Premier League status for another year with a 3-1 victory.
One statistic which the Black Cats will not be proud of is their record against bottom-half opposition, earning just 11 points from 16 matches when facing the teams closest to them in the table. Plenty will be fancying them to improve those numbers tonight, but it does give the Baggies an added boost.
Both sets of players are heading back inside at the Stadium of Light following their pre-match warm-ups. The ground is slowly filling up. These supporters know it could be a night for celebrating when the final whistle is blown in a couple of hours.
Sunderland are looking for their first win against West Brom in eight games. The Baggies have dominated recent meetings between the two sides, and have won seven of those pervious eight matches. It's a great record. Can they keep it going? Norwich will hope so.
Lee Mason is the man in the middle for this match, and he will lead the players out of the tunnel in just a few moments. There will surely be a great reception from the home supporters for their side following their recent heroics.
Here we go then. Both teams walk out to a good reception at the Stadium of Light as we approach kick off. A solid start will calm any nerves that remain. Sunderland are almost there, but a poor beginning could create some panic. Anything is possible in the Premier League.
They're now ready to start this one. Sunderland will get the game underway.
Confident start to the match from the hosts as Cattermole gets on the ball early to release Johnson, whose cross is slightly too firm for his teammates in the box. Poyet will like what he's seeing already from his side.
It's Sunderland who are controlling the game in the opening stages, but there hasn't been much sign of them creating a chance since Johnson's early wayward cross.
The Baggies are just starting to wake up now as they begin to earn their share of possession in a fiercely competitive midfield. Slightly nervy opening from the visitors, but they are improving.
Sessegnon collects the ball in space, and confidently runs at the Sunderland defence to create a few moments of panic before three home defenders come together to dispossess the former Black Cat.
SAVE! The first chance of the game falls to Sunderland as Alonso finds Borini, who cuts inside before firing a shot towards the top corner to force Foster into a save. Great stop from the England international.
The corner which follows causes problems for the visitors as the ball flashes across the box, with no player able to add a touch in a congested penalty area. Good spell for Sunderland.
Vergini advances forward unchallenged, and he takes the opportunity to chip an inch-perfect pass to Wickham, whose inviting cross is well collected by Foster. The Black Cats are applying the pressure now as West Brom respond by dropping deeper.
GOAL! SUNDERLAND 1-0 WEST BROM (COLBACK)
Sunderland take the lead following a promising start to the match. Alonso is offered space on the wing to deliver a cross, and Colback makes the perfect run to calmly beat Foster with a superbly timed effort from inside the box. Norwich are now another step closer to the Championship.
Cattermole has been one of the key men for Sunderland in the early stages, and his influence is clear once again as he wins a free kick following a challenge from Morrison, who is slightly fortunate not to pick up a yellow card.
It's obvious that confidence is high. Sunderland simply haven't been playing like relegation candidates recently, and they look in the mood to celebrate securing their Premier League status in style. West Brom need to apply more pressure when the hosts are in possession.
We've seen a bit of a quiet period in the match since Colback put his side ahead, but it's due to how relaxed Sunderland are with the ball. Despite the lack of urgency on the pitch in the past few minutes, the home supporters are creating a great atmosphere inside the Stadium of Light.
Crucial piece of defending from Reid as he steps in to make a great block after Johnson had burst into the box to unleash a shot. The winger is being asked to come inside as often as possible, but he may do more damage if he can hold his width.
Alonso has already made an impact on this match, and he'll continue to cause problems with his positive running from full back. The Spaniard's latest cross almost finds Wickham at the back post, but the Baggies manage to clear the danger.
SHOT! West Brom give the ball away in a dangerous position. Colback takes advantage to pick out Wickham, but the striker frustrates his teammates when he ignores the options to fire the ball over from the edge of the box.
It's looking like a real struggle for West Brom tonight as they continue to find it difficult to cause problems for the hosts when they do win back possession. Anichebe has looked isolated in the first half, while we've seen very little of Berahino.
GOAL! SUNDERLAND 2-0 WEST BROM (BORINI)
Just as the pace of the match had slowed down a touch, Sunderland double their lead thanks to a great strike from Borini. Larsson spots the Italian's run, and finds him with a perfect lofted ball. Without a moment of hesitation, Borini fires a volley past a helpless Foster. The Black Cats are cruising now.
It's almost three when Foster drops the ball inside a congested penalty area, but the goalkeeper recovers quickly to collect before a Sunderland player can finish from close range.
PIC: Jack Colback beats Ben Foster to put #SAFC 1-0 up. pic.twitter.com/a8lfZG4KJh
— Sunderland AFC (@SAFCofficial) May 7, 2014
Is there a way back for West Brom in this match? After seeing their Premier League status all but officially secured, it looks like they've found it difficult to produce their best in this match. Sunderland are taking full advantage. They'll be looking for a big win from here.
There's simply nothing being produced by the visitors in the first half. They've only managed one shot, and that was a hopeful effort from Dorrans which was blocked a few moments ago. Mel might consider changing things at the break.
Sunderland come close to taking a 3-0 lead when Wickham connects with a corner at the near post. Fortunately for West Brom, the striker's effort is cleared before it can hit the back of the net.
Sessegnon displays great awareness on the edge of the box to earn himself some space, but his effort is charged down by a Sunderland defender as Mannone continues to watch this game from the apparent safety of his own goal line.
SAVE! Mannone is finally asked to play a part in this match as he pushes away Berahino's curled effort after West Brom had committed a number of players forward. Much better from the away side.
Sunderland respond to the West Brom attack by going up the other end to cause problems again. Johnson links well with Borini, but the latter's tame effort is easily stopped by Foster.
They're into the first of two added minutes at the Stadium of Light as Sunderland continue to look comfortable despite West Brom's improvement in the closing stages of the first half.
HALF TIME: SUNDERLAND 2-0 WEST BROM
Lee Mason blows the whistle at the end of a very impressive first half for Sunderland, who are on their way to four successive wins in the Premier League for the first time in 14 years. West Brom just haven't been at the races, and goals from Colback and Borini has seen them punished.
Norwich will have to wait for official confirmation on Sunday, but due to their inferior goal difference, if this game remains the same they will be relegated from the Premier League. Who could have predicted that Sunderland would be in the position following that dreadful run just a few weeks ago?
In tonight's other game it is currently goalless at the Etihad Stadium, with Man City being held by Aston Villa despite their dominance in the first half. Half time reports of both of these matches are currently on the homepage.
It's looked like some of the West Brom players may already have their eye on a summer holiday after their safety was all but secured last week. It wouldn't be a surprise to see Mel make some changes at the break, with Matej Vydra and Scott Sinclair both possibly being options to consider.
SUBSTITUTION: Mel has made changes at the break, but he's decided against tinkering with his attacking players as defender Craig Dawson comes off the bench to replace Reid, while Mulumbu is on for Yacob.
West Brom have got the second half underway. We'll see if those two changes make an impact, but they're not the most positive of substitutions you'll see. A fast start is needed.
Decent start to the second half as Dawson begins the second half by delivering a cross to the back post, where Anichebe is agonisingly close to collecting the ball in a dangerous area.
Good play from Sessegnon, who has threatened to produce his best on a number of occasions, but Anichebe is crowded out inside the box after collecting the cross from his teammate.
Superb defending from O'Shea as he steals the ball from the powerful Anichebe as the Baggies striker had looked to turn on the edge of the box. Quiet opening to the second half.
Promising signs for West Brom supporters as their side continue to see most of the ball early in the second half, but another move breaks down when Brunt's cross is collected by Mannone at the back post.
Sunderland may not be enjoying the domination they did in the first half, but this has been a good defensive display from Poyet's side, which is something we haven't seen enough of this season. They continue to look relaxed at the back.
CLOSE! Dawson finds space on the right once again, but his inviting cross is just out of reach for a sliding Anichebe in the box. West Brom inches away from opening their account.
West Brom continue push the hosts back during an impressive spell of pressure, but Mulumbu's weak effort fails to produce a goal as Mannone comfortably saves the shot.
SUBSTITUTIONS: Poyet decides it's time to make changes as he brings on Liam Bridcutt and Jozy Altidore to replace Johnson and Wickham.
Sessegnon is certainly looking like the most dangerous player for West Brom as he uses good skill to find himself some space before dragging a poor effort well wide of the target.
CHANCE! Altidore almost makes an instant impact as Borini finds Colback, who delivers the perfect cross for the American. However, the striker somehow manages to tap the ball wide when it looked far easier to score.
The Stadium of Light still seems to be in disbelief after that Altidore miss, but the mood is still positive as the Black Cats close in on another victory. Just over 20 minutes plus stoppage time remaining in this match.
Lovely football again as Borini continues to impress with his link-up play. The Italian executes a brilliant pass to find Vergini, whose shot drifts just wide of the post.
UPDATE: In tonight's other match, two goals in eight minutes from Edin Dzeko has given Manchester City a 2-0 lead over Aston Villa. They're taking the opportunity offered to them by that dramatic draw between Liverpool and Crystal Palace on Monday.
This game has just hit another quiet period. West Brom were on top after the break, but their challenge has faded and it would take a big response to snatch something from the game now.
SUBSTITUTION: One final change from Mel as Berahino makes way for fellow forward Matej Vydra.
West Brom continue to push for a way back into the match, but they appear to be fighting a losing cause. Sunderland have done a very good job of controlling the tempo following the impressive start made to the second half by the visitors. Cattermole has enjoyed a very good evening in midfield, while Borini continues to look lively.
The Baggies win a free kick in a dangerous position, but Brunt fails to hit the target as the Sunderland wall make the block on the edge of the box.
McAuley makes a crucial interception to steal the ball from Altidore as the American threatened to go past the final defender on his way to goal. Brilliant defending.
Great crowd inside the Stadium of Light this evening, and they're enjoying every minute as Sunderland cruise towards three points. Not a great night for West Brom, but an even worse one for Norwich City and their supporters.
SUBSTITUTION: Poyet uses his final change to bring Emanuele Giaccherini on for Cattermole, who goes off to a well deserved standing ovation. Difficult to look past the midfielder when considering man of the match.
SAVE! Mannone reacts superbly to keep out a powerful effort from Morrison as the visitors are denied a consolation goal. The fourth official then confirms there will be three minutes added on.
Very little to report in stoppage time as Sunderland look comfortable in possession, while the Baggies continue to struggle to find a cutting edge in the final third of the pitch.
FULL TIME: SUNDERLAND 2-0 WEST BROM
Four league wins in a row for Sunderland, and we can now say that they will be playing in the Premier League for another season. Norwich will have to face the reality that they will be in the Championship next season. A great run continues for Sunderland, who climb above West Brom following a disappointing display from the visitors.
Is this the greatest of escapes? Remarkably, Sunderland are now 14th in the table just a few weeks after being written off in the race for safety. Norwich will now join Fulham and Cardiff City in the Championship as their inferior goal difference means they would need two or three miracles on Sunday.
Thanks for joining me tonight. I hope you've enjoyed the coverage. Goodnight everyone.
Written by
Callum Mulvihill
Callum Mulvihill
