Sunderland saw off relegation rivals Reading this evening in their rearranged Premier League tie.
The original match, scheduled for August, was called off due to a waterlogged pitch.
Both sides went into the game in the bottom three, but goals from James McClean, Steven Fletcher and Stephane Sessegnon ensured that only one team ended it in the dropzone.
Here, Sports Mole analyses what went right for Sunderland and what went wrong for Reading.
Match statistics:
Sunderland:
Shots 16
On target 11
Possession 59%
Corners 6
Fouls 8
Reading:
Shots 12
On target 5
Possession 41%
Corners 8
Fouls 11
Was the result fair?
Absolutely. Sunderland started at 100mph, taking the lead after less than three minutes, and they never looked back. Reading were never out of the game, but they just couldn't find a way through and as soon as the second goal went in it felt that Sunderland were very much in control.
Sunderland's performance
Very good. The Black Cats belied their league position with their performance today, playing like many were expecting them to at the start of the season. Fletcher was excellent up front, but Sunderland's defensive performance deserves the most plaudits. Reading's first good chance came in the dying stages of the match despite them having a number of good attacking platforms, and that was down to consistently good defending.
Reading's performance
Brian McDermott will be left scratching his head over this one. His side didn't play badly, but they never really looked like winning. They launched a number of promising attacks but each time they were rebuffed by the Sunderland defence. Try as they might, they just couldn't find a way through. They were simply outclassed and out-fought today.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Steven Fletcher: The Scot is so often Sunderland's dangerman and this was the case again today. His goal was world class, and his hold-up play was not far off that standard. Any and every ball that was thrown his way he contested and, most of the time, he won. Danny Rose also deserves a mention for a sterling 70-minute performance, while the rest of the Sunderland defence was also impressive.
Biggest gaffe
This one came in the opening stages of the match and led to the first goal. Reading keeper Adam Fedrici came to collect a corner, but could only flap at the ball, sending it straight to McClean, who made no mistake with his finish.
Referee performance
It wasn't the hardest of matches to officiate, but Neil Swarbrick was always there when called upon. There was one instance in the first half when Rose appeared to commit a foul inside the area but it was given as a free kick, although it was a soft free kick anyway so to award a penalty would've been harsh. All in all a solid performance.
What next?
Sunderland: Sunderland will face a significantly harder challenge on Saturday as they travel to Old Trafford to take on league leaders Manchester United.
Reading: Reading will be looking to halt their slide of five league defeats in a row when they host Arsenal at the Madjeski next Monday night.
Barney Corkhill
