Middlesbrough beat Sunderland 2-1 in the Wear-Tees derby for the first time in the Premier League since 2006.
Sunderland’s Steven Pienaar in action with Middlesbrough’s Christian Stuani
Middlesbrough picked up their first win since returning to the English top flight after beating North-East rivals Sunderland 2-1 at the Stadium of Light.
A superb first half brace from Uruguayan forward Christian Stuani, including a stunning 35-yard strike on his Premier League debut, put the visitors in control going in at the break.
Sunderland had a two goal deficit to overturn in the second period but struggled to break Boro’s resilient defence down as Patrick van Aanholt forced an instinctive save from Brad Guzan as the score remained 2-0.
Sunderland’s Jermain Defoe looks dejected after Middlesbrough’s Christian Stuani (not pictured) scores their second goal
But the Black Cats would soon reduce their opponent’s lead and it was van Aanholt in action again as he capitalised on Guzan’s error to poke home the loose ball.
Guzan had been impressive until that point but he will be kicking himself after he poorly parried Duncan Watmore’s effort into a dangerous area.
Fortunately the error didn’t prove too costly for Guzan as Middlesbrough managed to hang on for the three points in what was their first top-flight victory in seven years.
Sunderland’s Joel Asoro in action with Middlesbrough’s Antonio Barragan as Sunderland manager David Moyes watches on
The result takes Boro to sixth in the Premier League table while serial slow starters Sunderland drop into the relegation zone having failed to pick up a point from their opening two matches.
Here’s how the Middlesbrough fans reacted to their derby win:
Middlesbrough’s Ben Gibson celebrates after the game
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