Hold up your hand if you as opponents felt meeting Everton would bestow the title, save from relegation, secure a Champions or Europa League spot, or just to savour a morale boosting win. Sunderland could not have asked for a more obliging opponent. They did not even need Jermaine Defoe, Fabio Borini, or Duncan Watmore when they have Lamine Kone. Yes, that’s right their centre back scored a brace smashing the ball into goal with panache after Patrick Van Aanholt shot them into the lead.

Sunderland with this win avoid relegation but the win also neatly and surgically resected any hopes of Newcastle and Norwich remaining in the Premier League. Both dropped down to the Championship.

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