Wilson Isidor proved decisive from the bench as Sunderland secured their opening Premier League victory of the campaign with a 1 0 success against Fulham at the Stadium of Light.
Regis Le Bris and his players had suffered late disappointment against Ipswich Town in their first fixture, but there was a happier ending this time as Isidor found the net only three days after agreeing a fresh deal with Sunderland.
The hosts began with plenty of energy and Thomas Meunier forced Bernd Leno into action with a low attempt from outside the area. Fulham gradually settled into the contest and created the better opportunities before the interval.
Josh King came closest midway through the opening period. Alex Iwobi picked him out with an excellent delivery, but King sent his looping attempt narrowly above the target.
Fulham continued to threaten through Gonzalo Garcia, although Reinildo Mandava recovered well to halt one dangerous attack before Garcia could get a clear sight of goal.
Another opportunity arrived close to the hour when Sander Berge split Sunderland’s back line with a clever pass. Garcia reached the ball, but Nordi Mukiele produced an important challenge to prevent the visitors from taking the lead.
Oscar Bobb later supplied Cesar Palacios on the edge of the area, but his strike flew over Robin Roefs’ goal.
Sunderland finally started creating openings of their own. Granit Xhaka and Enzo Le Fee combined in the 71st minute to release Isidor, whose first effort struck the near post.
Four minutes later, he made no mistake.
Habib Diarra drove a low delivery across the penalty area and Isidor reacted quickest, guiding the ball beyond Leno to put Sunderland ahead.
Romaine Mundle had an opportunity to double the advantage late on but shot directly at Leno.
The victory moved Sunderland up to 11th, while Fulham remained 15th after losing both of their opening league matches.
