Sunderland 2-1 Brentford: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Ladbrokes’ post-match review of Sunderland 2-1 Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday, 30 August 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Sunderland clinched a thrilling 2-1 victory over Brentford at home, a result that might not have been on everyone's bingo card but certainly spiced up the league table. The Black Cats, coming off a loss to Burnley and a win against West Ham, showed resilience and grit, especially in the dying moments of the game. Enzo Le Fée's penalty in the 82nd minute and Wilson Isidor's dramatic injury-time goal turned the tide after Brentford had taken the lead through Igor Thiago. This win not only ended Brentford's recent form but also highlighted Sunderland's ability to dig deep when it counts.

Brentford, who had previously beaten Aston Villa and lost to Nottingham Forest, will be gutted to leave with nothing after taking the lead. The Bees showed promise with their goal from Igor Thiago, but a missed penalty by Kevin Schade proved costly. Despite the loss, Brentford's performance wasn't a complete letdown, but they'll need to regroup quickly. This result was a bit of a surprise, considering their recent form, and it's a reminder that in football, the game isn't over until the final whistle.

The stats from this match paint an interesting picture. Sunderland edged out Brentford in possession with 54% to 46%, which aligns with their control of the game and eventual victory. What's striking is the difference in successful dribbles, with Sunderland at 57% and Brentford at just 36%, showing the Black Cats' dominance on the ball. The injury-time goal from Sunderland was a game-changer, and despite both teams having a penalty, it was Sunderland's that made the difference.

The number of corners was close, with Brentford taking one more than Sunderland, but it was the Black Cats who capitalised on their opportunities. The yellow cards were slightly higher for Sunderland, but no red cards were shown, keeping the game relatively disciplined. Overall, the statistics reflect a closely contested match, but Sunderland's efficiency in key moments tipped the scales in their favour.

The game's turning point came in the 82nd minute when Enzo Le Fée confidently converted a penalty, leveling the score after Brentford had taken the lead through Igor Thiago in the 77th minute. This penalty was crucial, not just for the equaliser but for setting up the dramatic finish. Brentford's missed penalty by Kevin Schade in the 59th minute was another pivotal moment, as it could have extended their lead and changed the game's outcome.

The final minutes were a rollercoaster, with Wilson Isidor coming off the bench to score the winning goal in the 90+6th minute. This late strike was a testament to Sunderland's never-say-die attitude. Substitutions played a significant role, with Isidor and Simon Adingra coming on for Sunderland in the 65th minute, and their impact was felt in the crucial moments. The game was also marked by several yellow cards, adding to the tension and drama.

Sunderland lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, with Robin Roefs in goal and a backline of Trai Hume, Nordi Mukiele, Omar Alderete, and Reinildo Mandava. The midfield trio of Habib Diarra, Granit Xhaka, and Noah Sadiki provided a solid base, while Chemsdine Talbi, Eliezer Mayenda, and Enzo Le Fée led the attack. The lineup was fairly standard, but the impact of the substitutions was significant.

Wilson Isidor and Simon Adingra, brought on in the 65th minute, injected fresh energy into the team. Isidor's late goal was the decisive moment, proving the value of the bench. Enzo Le Fée's penalty was another highlight, showcasing his composure under pressure. Overall, the lineup and substitutions worked well, contributing to a hard-fought victory.

Brentford opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Caoimhín Kelleher between the posts and a defense of Michael Kayode, Nathan Collins, Sepp van den Berg, and Keane Lewis-Potter. The midfield was anchored by Jordan Henderson and Yegor Yarmolyuk, with Dango Ouattara, Mikkel Damsgaard, and Kevin Schade supporting Igor Thiago up front. The lineup was solid, but the missed penalty by Schade was a costly mistake.

Substitutions were made in the 71st and 72nd minutes, with Ogochukwu Onyeka Frank and Rico Henry coming on, but they couldn't turn the tide. Igor Thiago's goal was a bright spot, but it wasn't enough to secure a win. The lineup and formation were competitive, but the inability to capitalise on key moments ultimately led to their defeat.

Enzo Le Fée is Ladbrokes’ Man of the Match, and it's easy to see why. His penalty in the 82nd minute was a game-changer, bringing Sunderland back into the match when it looked like they might be heading for a loss. With one goal, one key pass, and a calm head under pressure, Le Fée's contribution was crucial in securing the victory for the Black Cats.

Recent Premier League Matches:

• Win: 2-1 vs Brentford (H)

• Loss: 0-2 vs Burnley (A)

• Win: 3-0 vs West Ham United (H)

Recent Premier League Matches:

• Loss: 1-2 vs Sunderland (A)

• Win: 1-0 vs Aston Villa (H)

• Loss: 1-3 vs Nottingham Forest (A)

Sitting comfortably in 5th place with 6 points, Sunderland will face Crystal Palace, who are in 8th with 5 points, on September 13, 2025, at 14:00. This win against Brentford will boost their confidence, and they'll look to maintain their momentum and climb higher in the league standings.

Dropping to 15th place with 3 points, Brentford have a tough challenge ahead against Chelsea, who are in 2nd place with 7 points, on September 13, 2025, at 19:00. The loss to Sunderland will be a wake-up call, and they'll need to regroup and come up with a solid game plan to take on the high-flying Blues.

Game Week 4

• Arsenal V Nottingham Forest

• Bournemouth V Brighton

• Newcastle V Wolves

• Everton V Aston Villa

• Crystal Palace V Sunderland

• Fulham V Leeds United

• West Ham V Tottenham

• Brentford V Chelsea

• Burnley V Liverpool

• Man City V Man United

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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.