Enzo Le Fee's late penalty earned Sunderland a 1-1 Premier League draw away to Brentford on Saturday 5 September 2026. The French midfielder converted from the spot in the 82nd minute to cancel out Vitaly Janelt's first-half goal, securing a valuable point for Regis Le Bris's side at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Sunderland, who began the day 12th in the Premier League with three points from two games, dominated the first half and created four big chances. Their counter-attacking approach, spearheaded by the runs of Nilson Angulo, caused Brentford problems. Caoimhin Kelleher was tested in the Sunderland goal, while at the other end, Robin Roefs denied Thomas Meunier with a first-time effort. The visitors thought they had taken the lead when Dan Ballard found the net, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review ruled Kevin Danso, making his debut, was offside.
The decisive moment arrived late in the game. Keane Lewis-Potter was penalised for holding Wilson Isidor inside the Brentford penalty area. After a lengthy VAR review, referee Paul Tierney pointed to the spot. Le Fee stepped up and sent Roefs the wrong way, finding the bottom corner. It was redemption for the midfielder, who had missed a panenka penalty at the same ground last season. Brentford boss Keith Andrews had made three half-time changes, introducing Aaron Hickey, Yehor Yarmoliuk and Anthony for Michael Kayode, Mamadou Sangare and Dango Ouattara. Anthony thought he had restored the lead with a tap-in, but it was ruled out for a foul on Roefs.
Brentford suffered a significant blow when defender Nathan Collins was forced off after clashing with Noah Sadiki. The centre-back sustained a calf strain, with Jannik Schuster impressing after replacing him. Sunderland also had to contend with an absence, as Habib Diarra was sidelined for the fixture. The physical battle in midfield saw Mamadou Sangare find life harder against the combined stewardship of Granit Xhaka and Sadiki for the Bees. Yehor Yarmolyuk imposed himself after coming on as a substitute, while Jaidon Antony offered fresh impetus replacing Dango Ouattara.
The point leaves Sunderland with a record of one win, one draw and one loss from three matches, having scored two goals and conceded two. They remain three points behind early leaders Manchester City. Brentford, meanwhile, moved up to fifth place and preserved their unbeaten start to the campaign. However, it was the second consecutive week they squandered a lead late on, having also drawn 1-1 with Leeds United. Keith Andrews acknowledged room for improvement, telling reporters, "We can do better, I always look at us."
Sunderland's focus now shifts to a major test at the Stadium of Light. Their next fixture is a home match against Arsenal, who are currently second in the table, on Saturday 12 September 2026. Fans can check the full schedule on the club's fixtures page. Regis Le Bris will hope to have more players available from the treatment room, with updates on all squad fitness available via the injuries section. The Black Cats will need to build on this resilient away performance as they prepare to face one of the title contenders.
