EPL: Sunderland Holds Everton to 1-1 Draw with Late Drama

Xhaka's deflection salvages point for Sunderland against Everton

Sunderland earned a 1-1 draw against Everton, with Granit Xhaka's deflected shot securing a crucial point for the Black Cats.

Sunderland's dominance continued into the second half, and they quickly capitalized on their momentum...

Sunderland held Everton to a 1-1 draw at the Stadium of Light, extending their unbeaten run at home in the Premier League this season. The point was enough to propel them back into the top four.

The match got off to a lively start, with Everton almost making an impact within the first 10 seconds. Jake O'Brien's early shot flew just wide of the target, setting the tone for a competitive encounter between two teams looking to make an impression. It marked the first meeting between the two sides in the Premier League in eight years.

Everton maintained the pressure and were rewarded inside 15 minutes when Iliman Ndiaye regained possession from Noah Sadiki and sprinted past defenders into the box, skillfully curling the ball into the far corner with his left foot.

Sunderland remain unbeaten at home this season 👊 pic.twitter.com/qqSnBeJs7M

— Premier League (@premierleague) November 3, 2025

Despite Sunderland's impressive performances this season, which had earned them a joint-high points tally through nine matches, the hosts continued to face pressure from Everton. The visitors nearly doubled their lead when Jack Grealish's long-range shot hit the post, and Thierno Barry subsequently missed an opportunity from close range, scooping the ball over the bar from just a couple of yards out.

Sunderland grew into the game and began to dominate the contest, creating several scoring opportunities before halftime. One notable chance saw Daniel Ballard's effort cleared off the line by Michael Keane, showcasing the intensity of the match.

Sunderland's dominance continued into the second half, and they quickly capitalized on their momentum. Just 45 seconds into the restart, Enzo Le Fee played a crucial pass to Granit Xhaka, who unleashed a shot from the edge of the box. The ball took a deflection off James Tarkowski and nestled under the bar, leveling the score for the hosts.

The home crowd continued to urge their team on, creating more scoring opportunities, while also successfully keeping Everton at bay. In fact, Everton hadn't even managed a touch in Sunderland's box for the entire second half, highlighting the home team's defensive solidity. As the match neared its end, Sunderland's momentum had begun to dissipate, with Vitaliy Mykolenko's long-range shot being a rare moment of excitement, testing the goalkeeper's reflexes.

Despite falling behind, Sunderland showed resilience to earn a point, which was enough to propel them back into the top four. This marks the league-high eighth point they've secured from losing positions this season.

Everton's early dominance wasn't enough to secure a third consecutive head-to-head win. David Moyes will be hoping his team can bounce back and turn their fortunes around when they host Fulham at home on Saturday.

Where is your club after 10 matches? 🧐 pic.twitter.com/sq4WKcgioc

— Premier League (@premierleague) November 3, 2025