Sunderland came from behind to defeat Crystal Palace 2-1 in the Premier League, with Brian Brobbey’s late strike ending a five-match winless spell. The result also protected Sunderland’s strong home record,
while Crystal Palace’s poor run in the league stretched to 10 games without a victory.
The visitors struck first through Yeremy Pino after a Robin Roefs mistake, but Sunderland hit back almost at once. Enzo Le Fee converted Nordi Mukiele’s low delivery three minutes later, and from that stage Regis Le Bris’ team controlled long spells at the Stadium of Light.
Crystal Palace entered the match under pressure after a difficult week, which included news of Marc Guehi and head coach Oliver Glasner preparing to leave, as well as a shock FA Cup exit. Hopes briefly rose when Pino punished Roefs’ error on 30 minutes, before Le Fee’s quick response changed the mood.
Jean-Philippe Mateta thought Crystal Palace had regained the advantage before half-time, but the effort was ruled offside. After the break, Sunderland pushed on, with Trai Hume forcing Dean Henderson into a save with a firm header. The pressure finally told 19 minutes from time when Brobbey’s right-foot shot crashed in off the bar.
HUGE THREE POINTS #SUNCRY pic.twitter.com/DSnqZ4I0I7Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) January 17, 2026
The numbers underlined Sunderland’s control. Le Bris’ side produced 13 shots and 1.72 expected goals, while Crystal Palace managed six attempts and 0.61 xG. Despite again conceding first, Sunderland secured more points from losing positions this Premier League season than any other team.
Sunderland’s tally of 16 points recovered from losing positions is the highest by a newly promoted Premier League side since West Brom collected 27 in the 2010-11 campaign. Sunderland are also unbeaten at home in the league, alongside Arsenal, after going 11 matches at the Stadium of Light without defeat, winning six and drawing five.
Sunderland vs Crystal Palace Premier League home records and winless runs
This is Sunderland’s best unbeaten home start in the top-flight since the 2000-01 season, when the team went 12 games without losing. At the other end, Crystal Palace failed to create clear openings late on, despite Henderson’s fine double save from Eliezer Mayenda and Dan Ballard, and the winless spell for the Eagles reached 10 league fixtures.
