Bournemouth held by Sunderland in Premier League clash

February 28, 2026 / 10:46 PM

Sharjah 24 – AFP: Bournemouth were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Sunderland on Saturday in the 28th round of the English Premier League, missing a key opportunity to strengthen their push for European qualification.

Missed chance in European race

A victory at the Vitality Stadium would have moved the side closer to the Champions League spots, but Andoni Iraola’s men had to come from behind after young Spaniard Eliasir Mainda opened the scoring in the 18th minute with his first league goal since August.

Brazilian forward Evanilson restored parity in the 63rd minute with his sixth goal of the season, extending Bournemouth’s unbeaten run in the league to eight matches. The result leaves Bournemouth ninth with 39 points, while Sunderland sit two points behind in eleventh.

Xhaka boosts Sunderland

Sunderland were strengthened by the return of Swiss captain Granit Xhaka, who started for the first time since January 17 after recovering from an ankle injury. His presence added stability to the team, which had lost four of five league matches during his absence.