Evanilson earns Bournemouth point as Sunderland dent Iraola’s Europe bid
For those Sunderland fans making the 700-mile round trip from Wearside, some beginning their journey at midnight, the welcome sight of Granit Xhaka making a first start since 17 January. Could the captain’s return inspire Sunderland out of a slump that began in mid-December? On the south coast, a losing run came to its end as Régis Le Bris’s team got the point a dogged performance deserved.
Patrolling in front of defence, Xhaka maintained constant dialogue with his colleagues, encouraging, directing into position, veering into the territory of player-manager. When Eliezer Mayenda scored the Sunderland goal, Xhaka clenched his fists in triumph, celebrating with Le Bris before heading to the away fans. For Bournemouth, it was a wholly preventable goal, Habib Diarra had been shown inside from Dan Ballard’s pass, and their goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic could only direct the ball into Mayenda’s path.
