Sunderland's poor run of form at the Stadium of Light continued this afternoon as West Bromwich Albion left Wearside with all three points.
The visiting Baggies went 2-0 up with a massive help from Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, before keeping their composure during the second half to eventually win through 4-2.
Sports Mole has looked back over the 90 minutes to determine whether or not the home side deserved to take something from the encounter.
Match statistics:
Sunderland:
Shots 19
On target 12
Possession 52%
Corners 7
Fouls 12
West Brom:
Shots 11
On target 6
Possession 48%
Corners 2
Fouls 15
Was the result fair?
On the balance of play the away side were worthy winners. They played the better football of the two teams and created more presentable chances. Sunderland put in plenty of effort, but they didn't do enough to claim anything from the match.
Sunderland's performance
Sunderland have been poor this season and that form carried on today. The effort was present, but there was a distinct lack of quality in every area of the pitch. A few more like that and they will find themselves in the relegation zone.
West Brom's performance
The Baggies continue to impress under Steve Clarke. His side have to be commended for the way that they kept the ball, even when Sunderland were putting them under pressure in the closing stages. In particular, the club's midfielders put in a real shift for their manager.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Zoltan Gera: The Hungarian very rarely gets the attention that his performances deserve. He is a consistent midfielder and showed that today. Not only did he keep the ball throughout, but he also opened the scoring with a strike from distance.
Biggest gaffe
It's sometimes difficult to pick this particular award but today it was easy! Mignolet has been one of Sunderland's best players this season but he made a real howler with his side trailing 1-0. Chris Brunt's pass was wayward and rolled towards Mignolet. However, the goalkeeper failed to hold the ball and Shane Long nipped in to tap into an empty net.
Referee performance
A very mixed afternoon's work for Mike Dean. He wrongly booked Long for diving following a trip by Sunderland defender John O'Shea. From a West Brom viewpoint he redeemed himself late in the match by correctly awarding them a penalty.
What next?
Sunderland: Next up for Sunderland is a home encounter against fellow strugglers Queens Park Rangers on Tuesday night.
West Brom: The Baggies are on the road again on Wednesday when they travel to Swansea City.
Liam Apicella
