Tottenham make it 14 games without a win as relegation fears strengthen as a second half strike by Mukiele ensures three-points for Sunderland.

Tottenham come in as they fear of relegation with 13 games without a win after dropping into relegation on Friday night as West Ham defeated Wolves to leap-frog Spurs’. Sunderland who are pushing for Europe defeated their rivals Newcastle 2-1 last time out look to get yet again. Tottenham are in dire need of victory should they get out of the bottom three.

As the game begun, Richarlison had an early small chance, a first time strike from just inside the box which was collected calmly by Roefs in the Sunderland goal.

Sunderland moments later took a brilliant corner by Ex-Arsenal man, Xhaka with his corner being tipped over the bar by Kinsky who has been heavily criticized of late.

Brobbey had a chance from close range with his header going just over the bar following some very good passing prior to the chance.

On the 20 minute mark, Tottenham were awarded a spot kick following a potential foul on Kolo Muani but after a VAR check, the penalty was chopped off which was simply, the correct decision.

A free-kick from far out, Xhaka with the ball towards the box but Mukiele missing connection as it goes out for a goal-kick.

Xhaka with the best chance so far as a throw by O’Nien which was brilliantly headed away but only as far as the Sunderland captain who smashes the ball goal bound but fires just wide of target.

The hosts had a perfect chance to go ahead with a free-kick on the edge of the box as Xhaka blasted a ball well over into the stands.

Just before the break, Xhaka whipped a ball into the box where Brobbey met but a brilliant stop by Kinsky denying Sunderland the lead right on the stroke of half-time.

Roefs then quickly denied Spurs the opener as Roefs denied Solanke giving Spurs’ the lead which went out for a corner.

Going into the second half, Richarlison was running through to try and strike home but some crucial defending by O’Nien prevented a Tottenham opener.

Richarlison had another chance just before the hour mark but a weak and tame effort making it a simple safe by Roefs for Sunderland.

Sunderland took the lead after the hour mark, Mukiele with a darting run and unleashed a strike from distance which deflected off Van de Veen and found its way into the back of the net to build more pressure onto the London side.

Going into the final stages, Sunderland looked more likely to get the next goal but a massive 10 minutes to come in terms of Tottenham’s season as they fight to escape relegation.

Rigg had a chance from outside the box after 82 minutes but his effort being well blocked to deny a second.

Major claims late into the game as Brobbey felt he was nudged but referee Rob Jones was having none of it with VAR agreeing, no penalty.

Moments later, Sunderland had a huge chance for a second but Udogie doing brilliant to clear the ball off the line to deny Sunderland the second and to deny a tap in.

Porro wasn’t far off to equalise late on as a powerful strike was tipped over by Roefs to deny Tottenham a way back into the game.

Sunderland scraped past struggling Tottenham at the Stadium of Light as Tottenham remain the bottom three as their relegation chances continue as that is now 14 games without a win and a defeat for Ze Zerbi on his debut where things must change if they are to avoid the drop.

Next up for Sunderland is a trip to Villa Park next Sunday with Tottenham facing Brighton next Saturday evening with Ze Zerbi facing his former club as Spurs look to steer away from relegation.

Sunderland: Roefs (7), Mukiele (8), Mandava (7), Alderete (7), O’Nien (7), Sadiki (7), Diarra (7), Le Fee (7), Rigg (6), Xhaka (8), Brobbey (7).

Substitutes: Talbi (5), Hume (5), Isidor (5).

Tottenham: Kinsky (6), Porro (7), Romero (6), Van de Veen (6), Udogie (6), Gray (5), Gallagher (6), Kolo Muani (5), Bergvall (5), Richarlison (6), Solanke (5).

Substitutes: Palphina (5), Sarr (5), Tel (5), Danso (5), Simons (5).