Wilson Isidor Delivers Sunderland's First Win of the Season Against Fulham

Wilson Isidor came off the bench to score the only goal as Sunderland beat Fulham at the Stadium of Light, securing their first victory of the Premier League season. The Guardian reported that the 75th-minute winner also ended Sunderland's 17-year wait for a league victory over the London club, while Fulham were left without a point.

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The first half produced few clear chances. Sunderland had more of the ball but struggled to turn possession into a serious threat, leaving Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno with little work. At the other end, Josh King failed to convert Fulham's best opening of the half after Alex Iwobi created an opportunity from a tight angle. Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs was otherwise largely untested.

Noah Sadiki helped Sunderland control the central areas, repeatedly disrupting Fulham's attempts to build attacks. Sunderland also welcomed Nordi Mukiele back into central defence following injury. His importance was underlined early in the second half when he made a sliding challenge to prevent Gonzalo Garcia from capitalising on a through ball from Sander Berge.

Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris changed the contest by introducing Habib Diarra and Isidor for Nilson Angulo and Brian Brobbey. Soon after coming on, Isidor had a major opportunity when Enzo Le Fee sent the ball across goal, but the forward struck the base of the post when he appeared likely to score.

Isidor quickly made amends. Diarra delivered another ball across the penalty area, and Isidor met it with a powerful finish that beat Leno. The two substitutes gave Sunderland greater attacking energy and exploited Fulham's high defensive line, providing the decisive combination after a cautious opening to the match.

Diarra's contribution ended early when an injury forced him off for Chris Rigg, but Sunderland protected the advantage. The result brought relief for Le Bris after his substitutions proved decisive, while Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa was left to assess a second match without a point. The Guardian's match report said Fulham striker Garcia, who had scored twice in his first two games since joining from Real Madrid, found Sunderland's defence difficult to break down.