Wilson Isidor struck a decisive stoppage-time header to complete a stunning turnaround as Sunderland overcame Brentford 2-1 at the Stadium of Light.
The Black Cats, back in the Premier League for the first time since 2017, now sit sixth in the table after collecting two wins from their opening three fixtures.
This marks only the second occasion Sunderland have won their first two Premier League home games, the previous instance coming under Peter Reid in the 2001-02 campaign.
The result also fuels optimism on Wearside that, unlike many newly promoted sides, they may not be destined for an immediate relegation battle.
For much of the contest, Brentford looked the more composed side.
Dango Ouattara saw an early effort ruled out for offside, while the visitors carved out the game’s clearest chances.
Kevin Schade squandered a golden opportunity just before the hour mark when his penalty was saved by Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs.
Brentford eventually found the breakthrough as Igor Thiago rose to expertly head in Frank Onyeka’s cross.
At that stage, Keith Andrews’ side appeared on course to secure their first league win of the season.
But momentum shifted late on.
Sunderland were handed a lifeline when substitute Rico Henry was penalised for pulling down Habib Diarra inside the box.
Enzo Le Fée dispatched the resulting penalty with composure to level the score in the 82nd minute.
Buoyed by the equaliser and an energised home crowd, Sunderland pushed forward in search of a winner.
Their persistence paid off in added time when Granit Xhaka delivered a pinpoint cross for Isidor, who powered his header beyond goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher to spark jubilant celebrations.
Manager Régis Le Bris will take immense satisfaction from his team’s response under pressure.
While Sunderland showed early intent—with Nordi Mukiele testing the visitors on his debut—their attacking play lacked cutting edge for long periods.
Prior to Le Fée’s penalty, they had registered just a single effort on target.
Nevertheless, the Black Cats displayed grit and determination in the closing stages, qualities that could prove decisive in their bid to consolidate top-flight status.
Isidor’s goal also etched his name into the club’s history books, becoming only the second player—after Steven Fletcher in 2012—to score in each of his first two Premier League home appearances for Sunderland.
For Brentford, the defeat will sting given their overall control of the game.
Schade’s missed penalty and other squandered chances underlined their lack of ruthlessness in front of goal.
Thiago’s well-taken header appeared to have settled the contest, but the inability to manage the closing stages proved costly.
Individually, Jordan Henderson and Mikkel Damsgaard produced flashes of quality, yet the team lacked cohesion in attack without Yoane Wissa, whose future remains uncertain.
Questions may also be asked of Kelleher, who got a hand to Isidor’s winner but could not keep it out, capping a nervy display from the Republic of Ireland international.
