Sunderland recorded their first ever win over Manchester United at the Stadium of Light on Saturday. The Black Cats hadn’t beaten the Red Devils on home soil since 1997.
Wahbi Khazri put the hosts ahead with a free-kick before Anthony Martial responded for the visitors.
Khazri then turned provider in the final 10 minutes as David De Gea deflected the ball into his own-net following a powerful header from Lamine Kone.
After all the drama, chaos and nervousness, what were the main points of note to take from the huge win?
New boys key to Premier League survival
Khazri and Kone were the stand out players for Sam Allardyce’s side as the North East club sealed a valuable three points. Sunderland have lacked a physical presence from set pieces all season, although the arrival of Kone and Jan Kirchhoff have made the Black Cats a much more menacing proposition.
The man behind Sunderland’s success in recent weeks has been former Bordeaux star, Khazri. The 25-year-old has proved to be somewhat of a dead-ball specialist and the midfielder could be the spark Sunderland have been missing all season.
DeAndre Yedlin more than capable
DeAndre Yedlin was giving the chance to stamp down a regular starting berth, as Billy Jones wasn’t in the matchday squad.
The latter had been in a poor run of form with some fans calling for a change. Yedlin showed how much of a threat he was in comparison to his teammate with the USA international showing blistering pace when going forward.
Despite the right-back struggling to make an impression during his first season on Wearside, the Tottenham man has give Allardyce food for thought as the season draws to a close.
John O’Shea remains a key player
The captain has been in excellent form as of late and was named man of the match against his former club.
John O’Shea’s positional sense against United was key in his sides’ win with Sunderland now just one point adrift of safety.
The 34-year-old’s experience could prove to be a pivotal factor in deciding Sunderland’s fate next season.
Van Aanholt improving all the time
Since the arrival of Allardyce, Patrick Van Aanholt has continued to improve both offensively and defensively.
The Dutchman has proved to be more solid in recent weeks, cutting out the silly mistakes. Van Aanholt also continues to look a threat when running with the ball, with the opposition finding it hard to keep the left-back quiet.
Despite the player having a lot of critics earlier on in the campaign, following a run of good form those critics have now turned into admirers. Allardyce’s teams' have always been tactically solid and Sunderland are continuing to improve as the season progresses.
It was an invaluable three points
Before kick-off on Saturday, Sunderland were four points adrift of safety. Relegation rivals Aston Villa, Newcastle United, Swansea City and AFC Bournemouth all lost, with Norwich City throwing away a two goal lead.
The majority of results went in Sunderland’s favor and now Allardyce’s men can head into the two week break full of confidence.
he break allows the side to re-cooperate and all the players on the treatment table a chance to recover ahead of the West Ham clash.