Match Report: Sunderland AFC 0-2 Sheffield Wednesday
Sunderland’s 2023-24 season ended on Saturday afternoon, as Sheffield Wednesday secured their Championship survival with a deserved 2-0 win at the Stadium of Light.
Danny Rohl’s side knew that they only needed to avoid defeat to avoid relegation, and first-half strikes from Liam Palmer and Josh Windass sent Wednesday on their way.
A rather non-eventful second half sealed the visitors’ second-tier status for another season, as Sunderland end the campaign in 16th place, only three points ahead of Wednesday and with only two wins from their last 15.
Anthony Patterson’s quest to start every Championship game of the season was ended, as a knock meant that Nathan Bishop started in between the sticks in one of two changes for the home side; Patrick Roberts replacing Chris Rigg was the other.
Wednesday knew the permutations heading into kick-off, and came out looking to ease any worries, as Anthony Musaba almost gave Rohl’s side the lead, but his contact on Josh Windass’ deflected cross was minimal and fell wide of Bishop’s goal.
The home side grew into the contest and were playing some neat football around the penalty area, and thought they had taken the lead when Luke O’Nien’s header beat James Beadle, but it was ruled out for offside.
However, only minutes later, the visitors were ahead.
A great pass by Wednesday captain Barry Bannan freed up Palmer in behind the Sunderland defence, and calmly slid the ball underneath Bishop and into the back of the net.
Sunderland had responded well with Clarke’s curling effort beating Beadle but not the woodwork, but in the 38th minute, Wednesday doubled their advantage.
Pol Valentin’s cut-back fell into the path of Windass, who managed to fire the ball past Bishop and to put their Championship survival firmly into gear.
Dodds made a double half-time change in an attempt to spark a comeback, with Corry Evans and Rigg both being introduced and Roberts and Callum Styles being replaced.
The Black Cats did come out of the interval looking stronger and had two good efforts in quick succession from Adil Aouchiche and Clarke, but both were beaten away by the Wednesday ‘keeper.
The half proved to be a non-event in the course of the season, with Wednesday happy to defend their lead knowing that the Black Cats would struggle to break them down.
After four additional minutes, the visitors’ second-tier status was sealed for another season, as Sunderland’s miserable end to the campaign came to an end, as their season concluded with their 22nd defeat of the campaign.
