RUTHLESS BLACK CATS SACK SIMON
WOLVES returned to the top of the table, but Sunderland’s decision to sack manager Simon Grayson stole the midweek headlines.
Appointed in the summer by the north-east club, who were relegated from the Premier League last season, the former Preston boss was unable to turn their fortunes around.
And the axe swung minutes after the Black Cats played out a 3-3 home draw against bottom-of-the-table Bolton. It left third-bottom Sunderland with a record of one win, seven draws and seven defeats from their opening 15 league games.
Sunderland chief executive Martin Bain said: “While we hoped that Simon’s experience in the Football League would help us to a successful season, results have not been good enough for a club of this stature.
“In order for us to improve upon our current position we believe a fundamental change is necessary.”
Lewis Grabban (2) and sub Paddy McNair netted for the Black Cats, while Sammy Ameobi, Gary Madine and Karl Henry were on target for Bolton.
Advantage
Wolves bounced back from defeat at QPR to regain top spot with an impressive 2-0 win at Norwich. Defender Willy Boly – on loan from Porto – put the Midlanders ahead with his first goal for the club and Leo Bonatini wrapped up the points with his ninth of the season.
Sheffield United’s stay at the top proved a short one as they went down 1-0 at QPR, Idrissa Sylla netting.
Neil Warnock’s Cardiff took advantage of that slip-up to move second. The Bluebirds eased past Ipswich 3-1 with goals from Junior Hoilett, Omar Bogle – his first goal for the club – and Danny Ward.
Fans’ favourite Bersant Celina replied for the Tractor Boys.
In-form Bristol City notched up a fine 2-0 victory at out-of-sorts Fulham, who also had striker Aboubakar Kamara sent off for an off-theball incident just after the hour.
The Robins already led 2-0, thanks to first-half goals from Bobby Reid, his tenth in all competitions, and Korey Smith. Another in-form team,
Derby County, climbed to sixth thanks to their fourth straight win. It looked as though the Rams would be in for a hard night when Leeds striker Pierre-Michel Lasogga scored on seven minutes.
However, Sam Winnall struck on 72 and 80 minutes, the second from the penalty spot, to turn the game on its head.
James Chester and Robert Snodgrass were both on target in the opening 45 minutes as Steve Bruce’s improving
Aston Villa triumphed 2-0 at Preston.
Success
There was more misery for Villa’s neighbours Birmingham as the Blues crashed 2-0 at home against Brentford. Ollie Watkins (pen) and sub Neal Maupay struck for the Bees.
Middlesbrough made it backto-back away wins in the space of four days with a 3-1 victory at struggling Hull. Martin Braithwaite, Britt Assombalonga and Grant Leadbitter (pen) did the damage, while Kamil Grosicki netted a consolation for the Tigers, who had centre-back Michael Hector sent off. Sheffield Wednesday bagged a much-needed 2-1 win at home against Millwall to ease the pressure on manager Carlos Carvalhal. Adam Reach and Jordan Rhodes found the net for the Owls, while Tom Elliott notched for the Lions, who had Jake Cooper sent off.
John Swift scored a double as Reading beat Nottingham
Forest 3-1. An own goal from Forest keeper Jordan Smith made up their tally, while Ben Osborn netted for the visitors.
Barnsley piled the misery on Burton with a 4-2 away win. Lloyd Isgrove, Brad Potts, Joe Williams and Harvey Barnes were on the scoresheet. Matty Lund and Lloyd Dyer replied for the Brewers.