Mayenda double gives Sunderland win at Sheffield Wednesday.
Source:http://richportaltv.com
Eliezer Mayenda’s double in Sunderland’s victory over Sheffield Wednesday gave them a second chance at automatic promotion.
The Black Cats desperately needed three points following back-to-back losses to Leeds United and Hull City. They took a contentious lead in the first half when Mayenda seemed to handle the ball with his arm before scoring.
Callum Paterson’s headed equaliser just after halftime put them behind, but 19-year-old Spanish attacker Mayenda, who was substituted for top scorer Wilson Isidor, nodded in the game-winning goal.
Sunderland stay fourth and are now five points behind second-placed Sheffield United, albeit having played a game more.
It was a third straight loss for Wednesday as they remain 13th, six points outside the play-offs, with their chances of making the top six beginning to fade.
The losses to Leeds and Hull had hit Sunderland hard and Regis Le Bris opted to make five changes to his side.
Enzo Le Fee and Dan Ballard were injured, while Isidor and teenage midfielder Chris Rigg started on the bench.
Wednesday’s prospects of contending for a play-off berth had also been undermined by three straight losses, but the Owls got off to a strong start.
As the visitors were pinned back, Sunderland defender Leo Hjelde was fortunate to appear to have used his hand to deal with Svante Ingelsson’s long throw.
Josh Windass blasted over from eight yards out on Wednesday, when he could have rounded off a beautiful play. Since his spectacular attempt from within his own half on New Year’s Day, he has yet to score.
Then, as the home team threatened once more, Paterson was unfortunate to skim the crossbar with a lovely flicked header.
Having not capitalised on those moments, Wednesday were punished as they fell behind to Mayenda’s hugely controversial first.
Max Lowe badly misjudged Hjelde’s long ball but Mayenda controlled it with his forearm to get into position before he scuffed an effort beyond James Beadle.
To make matters worse, Lowe was injured trying to make a recovery tackle and had to be replaced.
The Black Cats have given up 18 points from winning positions this season and their lead was wiped out within three minutes of the restart.
Chris Mepham cheaply lost possession and Paterson headed home from Ingelsson’s chipped cross for his 50th goal in English football, although he also had to go off injured soon after scoring.
The Owls would have completed a turnaround shortly after, but for a fine save from Anthony Patterson to deny Ingelsson.
Le Bris’ switch was justified as TMayenda headed home a superb ball over the top from Trai Hume, restoring the visitors’ lead.
The kid scored two goals in the 4-0 victory at the Stadium of Light in August, and this was his second double against Wednesday. It was his sixth goal of the season.
After winning this match, Sunderland will now look for a favor before hosting Cardiff City on Saturday, March 8.
With Burnley positioned between the two, three points clear of the Black Cats, they still have the Blades to catch up to. Before Sunderland’s next game, Sheffield United and Burnley are both playing.
As for Wednesday, who have now lost all seven games against the Championship’s top four this season, this was a fifth consecutive home game without a win which has stalled any momentum they may have wanted to build in search of a play-off spot.
Sheffield Wednesday head coach Danny Rohl told BBC Radio Sheffield:
“This game shows a bit of everything from the last few weeks, two big injuries in key moments, an easily conceded goal, a lot of missed opportunities and two moments where you do not get the right decision.
“At the moment it is really hard to take because I see how much my players invest.
“The first goal was bad, but the second goal was bad, bad, too easy. At the moment, we destroy our hard work with one single moment and this is hard for the team.”
Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris told BBC Radio Newcastle:
“It was important to give energy to the team, even if it wasn’t easy to play football because the pitch was difficult for both teams.
“It was more a question of energy, commitment, connection with the team and resilience. Even during the game we conceded the equaliser and it was important to stay connected and to find a solution to score, so it’s good news for us.
“Wilson did really well this season and is one of the best strikers in the league, for sure.
“But we need two or three strikers to be competitive in this league so maybe it was the right time for Wilson to recover a little bit and Eliezer was ready.”