Player Ratings: Nordi Mukiele scores as Sunderland sink Tottenham Hotspur

Player Ratings: Nordi Mukiele scores as Sunderland sink Tottenham Hotspur

Sunderland 1-0 Tottenham Hotspur: Player Ratings and Match Analysis

There are matches that flow, and then there are matches that grind. This fell firmly into the latter category, with Sunderland doing just enough to secure a 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at the Stadium of Light.

The decisive moment arrived on 61 minutes. Nordi Mukiele struck from distance, the ball taking a decisive deflection off Micky van de Ven, wrong footing Antonin Kinsky and finding the net. It was not a goal of pure craft, but it reflected Sunderland’s willingness to take initiative in a match that offered little fluency.

For Tottenham Hotspur, the pattern remains troubling. A new voice in the dugout has not yet translated into results, and the numbers tell a stark story, a 14 match winless run in the Premier League, with no victories recorded in 2026.

De Zerbi debut offers effort, not solutions

All eyes were on Roberto De Zerbi, taking charge of Spurs for the first time after a swift managerial change. He made five alterations to the side, signalling intent, though execution proved elusive.

There was no shortage of endeavour. Tottenham pressed in phases and attempted to move the ball with purpose, but the final third lacked clarity. Passes drifted, movement stalled, and chances rarely materialised into genuine threats.

The afternoon worsened when captain Cristian Romero was forced off following a collision involving his own goalkeeper and Sunderland forward Brian Brobbey. The incident, which appeared accidental, left Spurs without their defensive leader and further disrupted any rhythm they hoped to build.

Photo: IMAGO

Key moment defines Sunderland success

If the game lacked finesse, it did not lack commitment. Sunderland’s approach was direct and purposeful, with midfielders stepping forward and attackers willing to engage physically.

Habib Diarra provided the assist, feeding Mukiele in space, and while fortune played its part, Sunderland had earned their moment. Defensively, they remained organised, limiting Tottenham Hotspur to speculative efforts rather than clear openings.

The result lifts Sunderland’s confidence and reinforces their ability to manage tight contests, particularly at home where the crowd remains a factor.

Player Ratings:

Sunderland: Robin Roefs 8, Nordi Mukiele 8, Luke O’Nien 7, Omar Alderete 8, Reinildo Mandava 7, Granit Xhaka 7, Noah Sadiki 8, Habib Diarra 7, Chris Rigg 6, Enzo Le Fee 6, Brian Brobbey 8.

Tottenham Hotspur: Antonin Kinsky 7, Pedro Porro 6, Cristian Romero 5, Micky van de Ven 6, Destiny Udogie 6, Archie Gray 6, Conor Gallagher 6, Lucas Bergvall 5, Randal Kolo Muani 5, Richarlison 6, Dominic Solanke 6.

Sunderland found a way, Tottenham Hotspur are still searching for one.