Sunderland reclaimed the top spot in the Championship as Wilson Isidor's third goal in four matches secured a hard-fought victory against Hull. Isidor demonstrated his speed and skill as Sunderland transitioned from defence to attack, with the Zenit St. Petersburg loanee coolly finishing past Hull goalkeeper Ivor Pandur in the 63rd minute.
The decisive moment of the game was marred by controversy, as Marvin Mehlem appeared to be obstructed by referee Robert Madley before losing possession, leading to Sunderland's opener. Despite Mehlem's protests, play continued as Madley did not touch the ball, allowing Dan Neil to regain possession and set Isidor free for the goal.
Hull's frustration was evident earlier in the match with several first-half decisions going against them, but they failed to find an equaliser, allowing Sunderland to move back above Burnley in the league table. The visitors struggled to find their rhythm and could have fallen behind when Chris Bedia struck the bar in the second half, but they managed to hold on in a windy afternoon in East Yorkshire.
Sunderland's attacking intentions were clear, but they were often thwarted by Hull's deep defensive setup. Dennis Cirkin might have conceded a penalty for a push on Mehlem in the area, but the decision was not given. Isidor's first-half effort was the only shot on target, though it was a poorly executed attempt that rolled to Pandur. Sunderland continued to press, with Cirkin's shot deflecting over the bar.
Hull's counter-attacks lacked precision, with Abu Kamara failing to capitalise on space to play in Mohamed Belloumi, and Bedia opting to cut inside instead of shooting. Jobe Bellingham's long-range effort forced Pandur into a scrambling save, while Hull's appeals for a handball against Chris Mepham were ignored.
The home crowd's frustration was palpable at half-time, but Hull had a chance to level shortly after the restart as Belloumi's shot narrowly missed the top corner. Hull's bright start to the second half saw Kamara break forward, with his pass deflecting to Bedia, whose left-foot shot hit the bar.
Sunderland's lightning breakaway led to the decisive goal as Neil dispossessed Mehlem and set Isidor free. Isidor surged forward, shrugging off Cody Drameh and lifting the ball over Pandur. Hull's protests were in vain as Mehlem appeared to be impeded by Madley before losing possession, leading to bookings for defender Alfie Jones and coach Julian Hübner.
Isidor was replaced with 15 minutes remaining, with former Hull striker Aaron Connolly making his Sunderland debut against his former club, but he made little impact. Hull, who failed to register a single shot on target, struggled after going behind, and the match ended with boos from the home crowd, directed mainly at the officials.
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