On a day where rumours were circulating of a number of members of staff set to leave Sunderland in the coming days, including Dick Advocaat, there was actually some football that needed to be played.
Sunderland started strong and went 2-0 in front thanks to goals from Steven Fletcher and Jeremain Lens. Borini should have put Sunderland 3-0 in front, but it was The Hammers’ full-back Jenkinson who scored next, to go into half-time with Sunderland leading 2-1.
Early second half, goalscorer Lens was sent off for a stupid challenge that earned him a second yellow card. Shortly after, 10-man Sunderland conceded with Pantilimon flapping at Payet with the easiest of tap-ins.
After an excellent first-half from Sunderland, they failed to capitalise on their lead and succumbed to just their 3rd point of the season in a 2-2 draw.
