Enzo Le Fée and Wilson Isidor propel Sunderland past Everton as European hopes grow

Sunderland came from behind to beat Everton 3-1 at Goodison Park on 17 May 2026, with Enzo Le Fée and substitute Wilson Isidor central to the comeback. Merlin Röhl’s first-half opener for Everton was overturned by a commanding second-half display from Régis Le Bris’s side, who moved above their hosts in the Premier League table and carry realistic hopes of European qualification into the final day.

Why it matters

The victory significantly lifts Sunderland’s prospects ahead of their final fixture, giving them momentum and a place above Everton in the table. According to the match report, a European place — either the Europa League or Europa Conference League — is a possible reward if Sunderland beat Chelsea at the Stadium of Light on the last day. The result also underlines how effective in-game changes and attacking incisiveness have become defining features of Régis Le Bris’s team this season.

How the game turned in Sunderland’s favour

Everton took the lead through Merlin Röhl in the first half, but Sunderland’s second-half response was decisive. Manager Régis Le Bris made substitutions that altered the game’s momentum; Enzo Le Fée found the cutting edge and Wilson Isidor, introduced from the bench, scored to complete the turnaround. Brian Brobbey is also credited in the report as having scored for Sunderland, meaning the comeback involved several attacking outlets.

Key moments and tactical impact

The report highlights Sunderland’s superior second-half performance, shaped by the quality of their substitutions and a more incisive attacking approach than Everton were able to produce. Everton’s lap of appreciation after the match was described as muted, reflecting the wider evaporation of the club’s European ambitions this season, while Sunderland’s players left Goodison Park with renewed belief and clear European aspirations.

• Final score: Everton 1–3 Sunderland (reported).
• First-half scorer: Merlin Röhl (Everton).
• Sunderland scorers: Brian Brobbey, Enzo Le Fée and substitute Wilson Isidor (reported).
• Manager: Régis Le Bris (Sunderland).
• Implication: Sunderland leapfrogged Everton in the table and can secure European football with a win over Chelsea on the final day (as reported).

Context: Sunderland’s return to the Premier League this season has been described as outstanding in the report. The team’s ability to adapt to top-flight demands and make decisive substitutions is presented as a key reason for their late-season surge. For Everton, the result is framed as another sign that hopes of European qualification have faded as the campaign concludes.

What happens next

Sunderland head into their final-day fixture at the Stadium of Light against Chelsea with European qualification still achievable, according to the report. Everton, meanwhile, will reflect on a season in which end-of-season rituals — such as a lap of appreciation — felt hollow as European ambitions slipped away.

What it means for both clubs

For Sunderland, the victory is a statement of progress under Régis Le Bris: a win that could define the club’s season if it leads to qualification for either the Europa League or Europa Conference League. For Everton, the game is another missed opportunity to secure continental football and a reminder that the squad will need clear improvements to challenge for Europe next season.