Sunderland finally broke their away hoodoo this weekend, edging out Nottingham Forest 1-0 at the City Ground to claim their first road victory of the 2025‑26 Premier League campaign. The win not only lifted the Black Cats to 11 points after four matches but also sent a clear message that they can grind results outside the Stadium of Light.
Match overview
The decisive moment arrived in the 38th minute when Paraguayan defender Omar Alderete surged into the box during a well‑rehearsed set piece. After a near‑miss from Trey Hume on a previous free‑kick, the ball curled to the far post where Alderete timed his run perfectly, slipping past the forest‑guarded defence to head home his maiden Sunderland goal.
Beyond the goal, Sunderland’s game plan was built on disciplined defending and high‑octane pressing. Led by veteran centre‑backs, the back line maintained a compact shape, forcing Forest into low‑percentage long balls. Full‑backs overlapped with purpose, while midfielders dropped deep to double‑team any Forest attackers daring to breach the lines.
Manager Tony Mowbray (assumed) praised his side’s mental fortitude in the post‑match interview, noting that the squad “had to suffer a lot” but stayed united. The collective effort was evident in the way the players chased every loose ball, a hallmark of their campaign’s early identity.
- Goal: Omar Alderete (38')
- Shots on target: Sunderland 3, Forest 2
- Possession: Sunderland 48%, Forest 52%
- Pass accuracy: Sunderland 84%, Forest 79%
Forest, meanwhile, struggled to break down the organized defense. Their attempts were largely limited to wing play and a few half‑chances that never threatened the keeper. The lack of a clear creative outlet left them looking blunt, a situation that will demand urgent tactical tweaks from new boss Ange Postecoglou.
Implications for both clubs
For Sunderland, the victory is a morale boost and a practical illustration of their grinding style paying off. Securing three points away from home shows they can translate the intensity they display at home into results on hostile turf. The clean sheet also reinforces the work of their defensive coach, who has emphasized zonal marking and quick transitions.
Looking ahead, the Black Cats will need to maintain this defensive resolve while sharpening their attacking edge. Alderete’s goal highlights the value of set‑piece routines; replicating such efficiency could turn tight games in their favour.
Nottingham Forest faces a stark reality check. Postecoglou’s first home fixture ended in disappointment, with his side having amassed only five points from five matches. The manager’s philosophy—high pressing, possession‑based football—has not yet clicked, especially against a well‑drilled opponent.
Key areas for Forest include improving ball retention in midfield and finding a reliable outlet for creative chances. Their midfield duo will need to link play more fluidly, and the wide‑men must deliver more threatening crosses to compensate for the lack of a traditional striker.
Both clubs will be scrutinized in the weeks to come. Sunderland’s next challenge is an away trip against a top‑six side, a test of whether their defensive discipline can survive higher‑calibre attacks. Forest, on the other hand, must secure points quickly to avoid slipping further down the table, with their upcoming fixtures offering a chance to recalibrate under Postecoglou’s evolving system.
