Teenage Sunderland midfielder Tom Watson netted the first two goals of his career as the Championship promotion contenders defeated Stoke City, securing their first win in seven games.
The hosts, who hadn’t won since October 26, fell behind early, with Liverpool’s 19-year-old loanee Lewis Koumas putting Stoke ahead at the second attempt after just six minutes.
However, Watson equalized within a minute, came close on two more occasions, and scored a deflected winner in the 86th minute to seal the victory.
Neither team had scored in their previous two matches, but within just seven minutes of kick-off, the score was 1-1.
Recalled on-loan Liverpool teenager Koumas put Stoke ahead in the 6th minute, breaking down the right from near midfield before cutting inside to test Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson. His initial shot was saved, but he calmly slotted the rebound in with his left foot from a much tighter angle, marking his fourth goal of the season for the five-time capped Wales international.
However, Stoke’s lead lasted less than 60 seconds before Sunderland responded through a much younger player. Midfielder Watson, combining with Jobe Bellingham inside the Stoke box, fired a powerful low shot with his right foot, beating a flat-footed Viktor Johansson at his near post to equalize.
Watson nearly put Sunderland ahead just before halftime, testing Johansson with a similar shot from the opposite side of the box, this time with his left foot aimed at the far corner. Johansson managed to get enough on it to turn the ball against the post.
Wilson Isidor also came close, first forcing Johansson into a save on a quick break and then steering another shot wide. Watson squandered another opportunity, scooping the ball over the bar unmarked from just outside the six-yard box.
But after the hosts had seen a goal disallowed following a cross from Watson, the midfielder secured the win. He was picked out by Patrick Roberts and fired a right-foot shot that deflected past Johansson into the opposite corner.