Sunderland secured their first home victory of the Premier League season after defeating Fulham 1-0 at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.
The hosts produced a disciplined display and sealed all three points through Wilson Isidor’s 75th-minute strike, despite Fulham enjoying the greater share of possession.
Fulham controlled 58 per cent of the ball and completed 556 passes compared with Sunderland’s 393.
However, Sunderland were more effective in the decisive areas, particularly in the final third.
The home side registered 12 shots, including four on target, while Fulham managed nine attempts without testing Sunderland’s goalkeeper on target.
Sunderland also recorded a higher expected-goals figure of 1.75 compared with Fulham’s 0.93.
Isidor, who came on in the 64th minute, made the difference 11 minutes later.
Habib Diarra played the crucial pass into the forward’s path, and Isidor kept his composure to fire a low right-footed finish beyond Bernd Leno.
The Frenchman had earlier hit the post and missed a good opportunity before eventually finding the breakthrough.
Sunderland’s defence then held firm as Fulham pushed for a equaliser.
The hosts made 35 clearances during the match, with 23 coming after the interval, as they successfully frustrated the visitors.
Granit Xhaka was particularly influential for Sunderland, controlling the midfield and helping his side maintain their shape.
The former Arsenal midfielder completed 54 of 58 passes, including 12 successful long balls, while also creating four chances.
Alex Iwobi was among Fulham’s better performers, but the visitors struggled to turn their possession into clear-cut opportunities.
Their crossing also proved ineffective, with only three of 16 attempts finding their intended targets.
The defeat leaves Fulham frustrated after dominating possession, while Sunderland will take confidence from a hard-earned home victory and an impressive defensive performance.
