Watford 1-0 Sunderland – Match Report

Sunderland fell to yet another defeat in their final away game of the season at Watford, who won at home for the first time since November.

Sunderland almost went ahead on the stroke of half time as Trai Hume’s shot was saved by Daniel Bachmann.

Anthony Patterson made a vital save early in the second half to deny Edo Kayembe.

The hornets took the lead in the 64th minute as Ismael Kone slipped in Ryan Edwards who powered a shot into the far corner.

Tom Cleverley made three changes from Watford’s 0-0 draw with Hull, as Jack Grieves, Ken Sema and Matthew Pollock replaced Ryan Andrews, Jamal Lewis and Francisco Sierralta.

Mike Dodds made just two to his side as Bradley Dack and Timothee Pembele were dropped for Adil Aouchiche and Trai Hume.

Very little happened in the opening 45, the best chance fell to Hume who found himself with space in the box but his shot was well saved by Bachmann in first half stoppage time.

Cleverley’s side began to gain more control in the second half as Kayembe had a powerful shot stopped by Patterson in the 54th minute.

The Hornets went in front in the 64th minute, a wonderfully weighted through ball from Kone set Edwards away, his shot beat Patterson and some would argue it probably shouldn’t have.

The Black Cats pushed for an equaliser, and should’ve scored following a lightning fast counter attack in the 89th minute. Jack Clarke played in Luis ‘Hemir’ Semedo who cut it back for Patrick Roberts but the substitute got the ball caught under his feet and was unable to manufacture a shot.

The game petered out as Sunderland completed a dreadful campaign on the road, in what has been a largely underwhelming season.