On december 2012
There was Christmas cheer all round as Sunderland set themselves up for the festive period with a fine win at Southampton.
Another goal from leading marksman Steven Fletcher proved the difference as the Black Cats downed a Saints side who had taken 11 points from their previous five games.
The decided strike was brilliantly crafted and Martin O'Neill's side showed their steel at the other end too with a superb defensive performance.
Fletcher was a willing runner all afternoon and showcased his natural attacking instinct with a real poacher's finish to cap his afternoon with a goal.
He stole in to drive the ball home after Stephane Sessegnon had redirected Adam Johnson's low cross into his path.
And the goal was no more than Sunderland deserved as they picked up a second win in three games. Read more.
Southampton: Kelvin Davis, Clyne, Yoshida, Fonte, Shaw, Puncheon (Do Prado, 80’), Cork, Schneiderlin (Steven Davis, 59’), Mayuka (De Ridder, 55’), Lambert, Ramirez.
Sunderland: Mignolet, Gardner, Cuellar, O'Shea, Rose, Johnson (Campbell, 74’), Colback, Larsson (Bardsley, 70’), McClean, Sessegnon (Vaughan, 89), Fletcher.
Goal: Fletcher, 42’.
Refere: Howard Webb.
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