Sunderland’s Trai Hume struck a fantastic free-kick to win it. His first-time volley winner gave Boyhood West Ham club a narrow 1-0 away win over the Baggies of West Bromwich Albion, at The Hawthorns. After Babou’s first equalizer, Hume scored in the 36th minute for his second straight goal. Only a week prior, he’d scored a long-range solo goal against Millwall. This victory not only bolstered Sunderland’s standing in the Sky Bet Championship but highlighted Hume’s growing influence within the team.
Hume’s stunning curling free-kick, perfectly angled into the top right corner, gave West Brom keeper Joe Wildsmith no hope. Wildsmith did get a touch to the ball, but he ought to have saved that. This mistake resulted in turmoil for the poor netminder. After the game, West Brom coach Tony Mowbray admitted the error of this close call.
“He should have saved it. He apologised to me after the game – he came to find me in my office and said it’s on him.” – Tony Mowbray
Impact on the Match
Hume’s objective shifted the tide of the match entirely. It guaranteed Sunderland a fourth place finish in the Championship. With this victory Sunderland recorded their ninth away win of the season. They are now joint second on points and very much in contention for a play-off spot. Hume’s superb performance was always going to be pivotal, as it still serves as a testament to his ability to step up in the clutch.
Following Hume’s goal, Sunderland maintained their lead despite West Brom’s efforts to equalize. Patrick Roberts nearly doubled their lead, forcing his way into the area and sending a left-footed shot that was parried wide. The Black Cats have battled away to earn the result, and that’s three consecutive victories at The Hawthorns for the Black Cats. That victory provides a huge boost to their hopes of achieving a top-six Premier League finish.
Hume’s Rising Star
The new kid Hume has been a standout in recent performances, most notably for his swagger when it comes to set-pieces. His free-kick against West Brom revealed his technical ability, but even more than that it was an example of a player’s growing confidence on the pitch. He attempted to accomplish a similar feat a little deeper into the match. This time, his curling try went narrowly past the post.
The English U21 international has been a key figure for his side through this decisive {#{spintax.key}}#} phase of the campaign. With every tally, he’s making himself look like a diamond in Sunderland’s crown of a campaign. Hume’s scoring ability and knack for coming through in key moments will be a big part of Sunderland’s play-off push.
Looking Ahead
Sunderland’s tactical masterclass against West Brom puts them in a very healthy position coming into the final third of the season. With each game so crucial as they battle for a final play-off place, each game turns into a must-win situation. That confidence boosting win against West Brom was a great three points on the board, but it wasn’t just that, it laid the foundations for what may come.
Mowbray urged his players to make the most of their chances to score after the game.
“With the chances we had and the situations we got into, you have to put the ball in the net.” – Tony Mowbray
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