Ndiaye’s Brilliant Solo Goal Earns Everton a Point as Xhaka’s Deflection Saves Sunderland

Posted : 04 November 2025

Everton and Sunderland played out a thrilling 1-1 draw at the Stadium of Light on Monday, with both teams leaving the pitch feeling they could have secured all three points. Iliman Ndiaye’s individual brilliance gave Everton the lead, but Granit Xhaka’s deflected effort early in the second half ensured Sunderland maintained their strong start to the Premier League season.

The result sees newly promoted Sunderland continue their impressive campaign, moving up to fourth place with 18 points from 10 matches. Everton, meanwhile, sit in 14th position on 12 points after missing several early chances to kill off the game.

Everton started brightly and went ahead after just 15 minutes through a moment of magic from Ndiaye. The Senegalese forward picked up the ball on the right wing, weaved past four defenders with skill and composure, and curled a precise shot into the far corner from the edge of the area.

Despite Everton’s early dominance, Sunderland grew into the match after the half-hour mark, creating several openings. Their persistence paid off less than a minute into the second half when Xhaka’s low shot deflected off James Tarkowski and rolled past Jordan Pickford, who appeared to have it covered.

Both managers expressed mixed emotions after the final whistle. Everton boss David Moyes lamented his team’s inability to capitalise on their early superiority, while Sunderland’s Regis Le Bris felt his side should have converted their second-half dominance into victory.

Xhaka admitted his team started poorly but praised their strong reaction after the break. “We lost the three points in the first 20–25 minutes with too many mistakes,” he told Sky Sports. “But the second half was very good — full of emotion and chances. With a bit more luck, we could have won.”

Everton’s missed chances proved costly, as James Garner fired narrowly wide, Jack Grealish hit the post, and Thierno Barry missed an open goal from close range. Those squandered opportunities came back to haunt the visitors once Sunderland found their rhythm.

Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford acknowledged both the positives and frustrations of the result. “We started well and Ndiaye’s goal was brilliant,” he said. “They changed shape and made it difficult, but our defensive work was excellent. We wanted that second goal, but we’ll take a point away from home.”

Ndiaye’s Brilliant Solo Goal Earns Everton a Point as Xhaka’s Deflection Saves Sunderland

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics