Wilson Isidor the difference as Sunderland edge past Fulham to kickstart Premier League campaign

Sunderland bounced back from last week’s defeat to Ipswich Town to return to winning ways against Fulham, although Régis Le Bris’ side were made to work hard for a far-from-convincing victory.

The hosts eventually found a way through late in the second half when Wilson Isidor, who this week penned a new contract with the club, latched onto Habib Diarra’s ball across the box to tap home.

Neither side had played particularly well up to that point, and there was growing restlessness among the home supporters before Isidor finally found the net.

Both teams had lacked rhythm from the opening minutes, with precious little to report prior to the decisive goal.

Fulham had their moments, including an effort from Josh King after he was found by Alex Iwobi, but that was about as close as either side came to producing any meaningful action.

As a result, there was almost an air of desperation for something to happen after the break.

The first real moment to get supporters off their seats came with 20 minutes remaining, when Isidor struck the post after being found in the middle by Enzo Le Fée.

It was the definition of a sitter.

However, no sooner had the post stopped shaking than Isidor was once again free in the middle, this time picked out by Diarra.

On this occasion, he found the net, although he was aided by Bernd Leno’s failure to connect with the ball as it flashed across the six-yard box.

Sunderland needed that. They had been far from their best throughout the afternoon, something Le Bris clearly recognised with his changes.

Indeed, two substitutes combined for the decisive goal in a fine example of proactive management.

Fulham became more persistent after falling behind, but their lack of creativity continued to plague them and they were unable to find a response.

Crucially for Sunderland, they found a way to win.