XHAKA AND TRAORE SHINE BUT SUNDERLAND DENIED SECOND PLACE SPOT
It was a strong start for Everton, with a shot by James Garner made in the opening minute of their match against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
That was a theme that continued throughout much of the first half, as Sunderland struggled to find their groove and Iliman Ndiaye took advantage in the 15th minute.
However, towards the end of the second half, Sunderland seemed to unlock something, and began to look more in control of the match.
This continued in the second half and just 40 seconds after it began, Granit Xhaka found the net for the home side.
In fact, Xhaka and Bertrand Traore in particular impressed throughout, as Sunderland dominated much of the second half.
It was a physical match and neither side could be accused of sitting back and resting on their laurels, nonetheless both will regret wasted opportunities that could have otherwise seen them take the full three points.