Fulham were able to upset Sunderland by snatching a slender 1-0 victory at the Stadium of Light in their Premier League opener this afternoon.
While the Black Cats looked the more dominate side in the early exchanges of the clash, it was a header from Pajtim Kasami that gifted Fulham the three points.
Despite Sunderland's attempts to grab an equaliser with Paolo Di Canio's new-look team, it wasn't to be, and Sunderland have been made to wait for their first points of the campaign.
Below, Sports Mole looks back over the 90 minutes that unfolded in the North-East.
Match statistics
Sunderland
Shots: 20
On Target: 3
Possession: 52%
Corners: 6
Fouls: 14
Fulham
Shots: 5
On Target: 1
Possession: 48%
Corners: 1
Fouls: 14
Was the result fair?
You could argue that Sunderland deserved to get something out of this afternoon's game due to their dominance, especially in the first half. However, credit is due to Fulham, who were able to stifle the Black Cats' attempts of getting an equaliser before the end of the match.
Sunderland's performance
As mentioned above, the home side took control of the game in the early stages of the clash and came out firing. New signings Cabral, Jozy Altidore and Emanuele Giaccherini all showed glimpses of what they are capable of, despite failing to steer Sunderland to an equaliser.
Fulham's performance?
It was not the most impressive performance from the Cottagers as they isolated Dimitar Berbatov at times. Adel Taarabt was also unable to make an impact for his new side throughout the fixture. However, Fulham were able to keep their lead and prevent Sunderland from getting back into the clash.
Referee performance
Despite the match being of high intensity in the first half of the match, Neil Swarbrick did not have much trouble to deal with, making just two bookings throughout the fixture.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Pajtim Kasami: Not only did Kasami get the goal, he also managed to stifle Sunderland's midfield in a game that no one player particularly stood out. The 21-year-old's leap in the box to get his headed effort into the back of the net was all Fulham eventually needed to clinch the three points.
Biggest gaffe
This title could go to Taarabt, who managed to win a free kick just on the edge of the box in the first half to give Fulham the lead. Despite his strong position, the Queens Park Rangers loanee's effort was poor and hammered straight into the wall, creating another opportunity missed.
What's next?
Sunderland: The Black Cats will try to get their first points of the season against Sunderland next Saturday.
Fulham: A visit from Arsenal awaits the Cottagers next weekend.
Danielle Joynson
