STEWART OUTSHINES WYKE
CHARLIE WYKE endured a miserable afternoon on his return to the Stadium of Light as Lee Johnson’s Sunderland came from behind to make a flying start.
Wyke scored 31 goals for the Black Cats last season before joining Wigan but was eclipsed by unheralded Scot Ross Stewart.
The former Ross County striker won a first-half penalty before heading home Elliot Embleton’s 53rd-minute corner for the winner.
And how the Mackem faithful enjoyed rubbing Wyke’s nose in it with chants of “Charlie, what’s the score?” and “You’re just a s++t Ross Stewart!”
“We had to nullify Charlie but Roscoe gives us something different,” said Johnson. “And getting off the mark in our first game is a great confidence boost.”
A hatful of chances were created at both ends in a frenzied first half after kick-off had been delayed by 15 minutes due to traffic congestion.
Sunderland survived an eighth-minute barrage with Tendayi Darikwa being denied by keeper Lee Burge before Will Keane and ex-Black Cats’ midfielder Max Power saw goalbound efforts blocked.
But Wigan weren’t to be denied with Gwion Edwards firing them into a 15th-minute lead after Keane’s initial effort had crashed against the inside of the post.
The raucous 31,549 crowd were momentarily silenced but within two minutes, Sunderland were level.
Jack Whatmough brought down Stewart and Aiden McGeady equalised from the penalty spot.
Now it was Wigan’s goalmouth to resemble a coconut shy.
Stewart’s stinger was charged down before Embleton’s half-volley was blocked just in front of the goalline.
Local lad Embleton impressed in the Black Cats’ midfield but he should have headed the hosts into a 34th minute lead but from close range.
Despite Sunderland finishing the opening period on top, Wigan still had their moments and Power again went close when his shot was deflected just off target.
The Black Cats continued to look the more likely scorers after Stewart’s goal eight minutes after half-time as Wigan rarely threatened after falling behind.
“We started well and imposed ourselves quickly but the penalty turned the game and we never really recovered,” said Wigan boss Leam Richardson.
“That goal gave Sunderland momentum, they build on that and ran out worthy winners.”