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Wilson Isidor’s composed second-half goal secured Sunderland a crucial 1-0 win over Hull City, propelling the Black Cats back to the top of the Championship. The French striker’s third goal in four matches came from a swift counter-attack, leading Sunderland to leapfrog Burnley by one point.
However, the goal was not without controversy. Hull City felt aggrieved as they believed referee Robert Madley interfered with Marvin Mehlem, causing him to lose possession before Dan Neil set up Isidor’s decisive break. Protests from Hull resulted in bookings for defender Alfie Jones, assistant coach Julian Hubner, and head coach Tim Walter, whose third yellow card of the season will result in a one-game touchline ban.
Hull had earlier come close to breaking the deadlock when Chris Bedia hit the woodwork, but they remain in 14th place after back-to-back losses. Both teams, relegated from the Premier League seven years ago, are still aiming to return to the top flight.
In a quiet first half, Sunderland had the better chances with Patrick Roberts testing Hull goalkeeper Ivor Pandur and Jobe Bellingham narrowly missing the target. After the break, Hull showed more urgency, with Bedia’s fierce strike hitting the post, but it was Isidor who made the decisive impact less than 10 minutes later.
Isidor’s goal came after Mehlem was dispossessed, allowing him to race past Hull’s Cody Drameh and lift the ball over Pandur. The 23-year-old’s loan move from Zenit St Petersburg has provided Sunderland with much-needed firepower up front, and his form has been pivotal to their strong start to the season.
Hull struggled to respond, failing to create clear chances as Sunderland held firm for their seventh win in 10 games. Both sides will return to action on Wednesday, with Hull facing second-placed Burnley and Sunderland visiting Luton Town.
Manager Reactions:
Hull City head coach Tim Walter expressed frustration over the referee’s role in the goal, telling BBC Radio Humberside: “The referee apologised for the situation, but it doesn’t help me.” He added that his team had opportunities but lacked clinical finishing.
Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris praised his side’s resilience: “It’s difficult to win away, especially at Hull. We were prepared to use our counter-attacks, and Wilson made the difference.”
