Premier League: Stoke 3 Sunderland 2

A late double from defender Robert Huth helped Stoke City come from behind to earn all three points against visiting Sunderland 3-2.

The away side scored with their first attack of the game. As the ball was fired into the box Asamoah Gyan attempted a shot but missed the ball, however it bounced favourably for in-form Kieran Richardson who netted his fourth goal in his last three matches.

Huth had two golden chances to equalise when Rory Delap’s long throw found him in a crowded area but he fired his first shot straight at Craig Gordon in the Sunderland goal. The ball then rebounded back to Huth off the keeper’s chest, but given a second chance, he blasted over the bar from just five yards.

Midway through the first half, another Stoke set-piece almost ended with their first goal, but Danny Higginbotham put his shot into the side-netting.

Eventually the home side’s persistence paid off. Delap sent in another long throw which caused problems for Gordon and his defence. John Carew, despite appearing to be in an offside position, toe poked the ball into the back of the net to score his first goal for his new club.

Sunderland scored their second just three minutes after the break. Gyan ran onto a ball lofted deep into Stoke territory and held off Huth before making enough room for himself to fire past Asmir Begovic in goal.

Tony Pulis’ men looked at their most threatening from set plays, and Phil Bardsley and Anton Ferdinand made important headed clearances to maintain Sunderland’s lead.

But they finally caved in when Jermaine Pennant whipped in a cross that was nodded on by Carew then edged into the goal by Huth from close range.

Another in-swinging cross from Pennant in injury time found Huth who had made the run and prodded his side’s late winner under Begovic.