Everton @ Sunderland. Under the lights at the Stadium of Light.

It’s Monday night in the North of England and it’s time for Monday Night Football. The round version. Heavy clouds have been pouring rain and continue to pour as the game is set to kick. The gusting wind is adding to the discomfort of the conditions, but the hearty Sunderland fans will not mind one bit. Neither will the players on either side. This game should be good to great.

The Stadium of Light is packed and as loud as it’s ever been as the players walk out onto the field. This game may only feature Everton vs Sunderland, but it has the feel of a Champions League Final. Sunderland AFC and their fans are full of belief. The pageantry of this one is the type of thing I crave in sports.

Not to mention the stakes at hand.

If Sunderland win, they will assume sole possession of second and if they draw, they will tie Liverpool for 3rd. This game matters. Arsenal on deck Saturday night, but this is the game that matters in the present.

Everton at Sunderland–this is what I love right now.

Kick off in seconds.

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1-0 Everton at the HALF. Sunderland have enjoyed the lion’s share of possession and taken more shots, but Ndiaye’s “magical goal” have the visitors ahead.

Stay patient Black Cats. There will be a second half moment. Just be sure to take it.

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• Xhaka!!! Straight out of the half former Arsenal Captain and now Sunderland Captain Granit Xhaka brings his side level! 1-1 46th minute. The Stadium is alive. As one unit lives and breathes. The Stadium of Light is alive.

-Needed that. Now, go get another and rest up for Arsenal in a 5 days. SHS Game of the Week.

-10 Minutes to go. Still 1-1. Sunderland with more possession and more shots and keeping the pressure high. Another goal is due very soon. This is a game that will provide a winner. It just feels that way.

-The wind has increased as the rain continues to spit. It’s a North England kind of night.

-Jack Grealish doesn’t look natural at Everton in the midfield. I don’t doubt his ability, but I think there might be a better place for him. Now, watch him score the winner.

FULL TIME 1-1

What a game. Sunderland move into 3rd. Their next game is Saturday at 10:30 against the Arsenal. I’m a Sunderland fan every game but two, this is one of those games. COYG!!

I hope you had a chance to watch the game. If not, be sure to check out Saturday. It’s gonna get spicy.

Find the Humor and Keep on Movin

Whit W.