Stuani’s brace sinks Sunderland

Cristhian Stuani scored two brilliant goals as Middlesbrough earned a 2-1 win over Sunderland in the Wear-Tees derby at the Stadium of Light, with David Moyes’ injury problems continuing to pile up.
After his 25-yard stunner flew past Sunderland goalkeeper Vito Mannone in the 13th minute, Stuani rounded off a neat team move before the interval to inflict defeat upon Moyes in his first home match in charge.
Moyes’ concerns will be even greater after the loss of John O’Shea to injury in the first half, his exit further stretching a squad already depleted by the enforced absences of Sebastian Larsson, Jan Kirchhoff, Lee Cattermole, Billy Jones and Lamine Kone.
And following the departure of Younes Kaboul to Watford and a back injury to Kone, the Sunderland boss deployed a new centre-back partnership of Papy Djilobodji – the Chelsea loanee making his debut – and O’Shea, while Paddy McNair operated in midfield.
While the hosts found it difficult at both ends, Middlesbrough, and in particular Stuani, were clinical with the chances that came their way.
Sunderland stepped up a gear in the second half and finally got the better of Boro keeper Brad Guzan – in for Victor Valdes who missed out with a hamstring injury – when his spill was poked home by Patrick van Aanholt.
However, despite being visibly rattled by the strike, Boro managed to hang on for the three points and their first win since returning to the top flight.