Share

Swansea draw with Sunderland

Swansea - Swansea's perfect start to this Premier League season ended on Saturday as Steven Fletcher's first two goals for Sunderland saw the visitors to a 2-2 draw at the Liberty Stadium.

Scotland striker Fletcher, a 12 million signing from Wolves, scored twice in the first half, either side of Wayne Routledge's goal for Swansea -- who would have gone top of the table if they had won.

Michu scored his fourth goal in three games for the hosts to level the match at 2-2.

But the Swans then lost defender Chico Flores to a red card for a wild challenge having, before a goal was scored, seen Neil Taylor carried off on a stretcher after his leg buckled awkwardly after a challenge with Craig Gardner.

Great Britain left-back Taylor required prolonged treatment and was given oxygen as he received attention for an ankle injury.

Swansea capitalised on defensive errors in wins over QPR and West Ham, but a mistake of their own five minutes before the break saw Sunderland take the lead.

Ashley Williams stubbed his back pass into the ground and Fletcher ran in on goal to shoot low beyond Michel Vorm.

Swansea levelled as six minutes of stoppage time began. The in-form duo of Nathan Dyer and Routledge, linked again as the former's scooped pass allowed the latter to score with a volley.

But before the break Sebastian Larsson's free-kick found Fletcher, who tapped home at the back post to give Sunderland a half-time lead.

Michu came close to adding to his tally as his header into the ground from Johnathan de Guzman's cross bounced up and just over the bar.

But the same duo brought Swansea level in the 66th minute when Michu powered in a header from de Guzman's cross.

Swansea's comeback was halted when Chico was dismissed for a wild high-footed challenge that grazed substitute Louis Saha's head.


We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
33% - 1799 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1759 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1063 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 449 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 184 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
4% - 247 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE