Sunderland win 1-0 at Forest as Alderete heads in Xhaka free kick

Sunderland secured a 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest on Saturday evening, overcoming the loss of suspended left back Reinildo to claim their first Premier League away victory of the season at the City Ground. Omar Alderete headed in a Granit Xhaka free kick in the first half, and Sunderland held on despite sustained pressure in the second half, with goalkeeper Robin Roefs producing a series of decisive saves to preserve the clean sheet.

The match settled early when Xhaka’s set piece found Alderete at the far post, giving the visitors the lead. Forest responded by bringing on additional attacking options, but Sunderland defended in numbers and discipline, frequently dropping into low and mid blocks to frustrate home attacks. Roefs made several important saves as Forest dominated possession in the second half, but failed to convert chances. Sunderland had opportunities to extend their lead through Wilson Isidor and Lutsharel Geertruida.

Head coach Régis Le Bris praised his squad’s resilience and leadership after the win, singling out captain Granit Xhaka. "We need a captain like Granit because he gives us so much," Le Bris said, adding that Xhaka can control the rhythm of the game...