Szmodics scores twice as Blackburn rout Sunderland

Sammie Szmodics has achieved his first goal at the Stadium of Light.

Sammie Szmodics, who holds the top spot for scoring goals in the Championship, scored twice in the first half during Blackburn's match against Sunderland. The impressive performance led Blackburn to their first victory under the leadership of their boss, John Eustace.

The Rovers took a significant step forward in their quest to avoid relegation. In the second half, Ryan Hedges, Tyrhys Dolan, and Andrew Moran all scored, resulting in three more goals for the team. The Black Cats had Chris Rigg score a consolation goal, but it was still a terrible performance from them.

Eustace took over from Jon Dahl Tomasson and Blackburn had not won any of their previous 10 games. Their performance had been lackluster with only four goals scored in the past six games. However, they managed to secure a win against Sunderland, who have only won once in their last nine games. The latter team seemed uninterested and Blackburn took advantage of the situation at the Stadium of Light.

Since the opportunity to secure a play-off spot was long gone and their safety was practically assured, the team playing at home failed to capitalize on their triumph over Cardiff on Good Friday. This victory marked their first win under the leadership of interim manager Mike Dodds.

Blackburn's streak of poor performance continued with 10 games without a win since November 25. This losing streak has resulted in them nearing the bottom of the league table. However, Blackburn managed to buck the trend and secured their first away win in some time. It was a fantastic victory and they could have even scored more goals during this game.

Szmodics has demonstrated exceptional goal-scoring abilities despite his team's overall performance. He showcased his exceptional finishing skills by scoring two goals in the first half, as Rovers attacked the opposition team aggressively.

Blackburn withstood Sunderland's initial pressure and in the 29th minute, Patrick Roberts, who had recently recovered from injury, lost possession due to an intense Blackburn press. Dolan then made a clever pass in the opposite direction towards Szmodics, who is an international player for the Republic of Ireland. He then struck the ball with his left foot and sent it past Anthony Patterson.

In just seven minutes, Szmodics scored another impressive goal. Dolan seemed to be stuck in a difficult position, but he managed to pass the ball to the outstanding Joe Rankin-Costello, who skillfully beat Luke O’Nien near the line and passed the ball back to Szmodics. This time, Szmodics scored with his right foot for the 29th goal of his campaign.

Patterson rescued the ball from Rankin-Costello and prevented Rovers from gaining momentum. However, Sunderland's chance of a comeback was crushed when two goals were scored in rapid succession at the beginning of the second half.

Hedges successfully obtained the ball within his team's own territory, setting off a swift offensive maneuver. Following his pass to Sam Gallagher, Hedges kept up his momentum and traversed the pitch as Gallagher skillfully outmaneuvered O'Nien and then returned the ball to Hedges, allowing for an effortless goal.

Hedges took advantage of some poor defending and successfully stole the ball from Dan Neil when he carelessly attempted to initiate an attack from his own half. Hedges then passed the ball to Dolan, who skillfully maneuvered past a defender and scored by striking the ball off the post.

Hedges came close to scoring another goal but Patterson saved it. However, at the 77th minute mark, Rigg was able to score a rebound goal after Dack's header was saved by Pears, who used to play for Blackburn.

Blackburn showed their dominance as they scored a fifth goal a few minutes later. This occurred when Szmodics, who was aiming for his third goal, made an error, miscuing Dillan Markanday's cross. The ball then landed for Moran to score.

In a recent interview with BBC Radio Newcastle, Sunderland's temporary manager, Mike Dodds, stated that...

The outcome is very negative and the execution was likely even more negative. This is completely not okay and I am expressing this seriously - it's the best way I can describe it presently.

I was asked whether it's a forgettable game, but it's not something to forget. Instead, it's a tool to show the younger generation that sometimes you can feel confident and successful one week, but then something unexpected happens and you're reminded of your limitations."

I'm extremely frustrated and attempting to articulate myself accurately.

We might try to blame the changes in the game for our performance, but that's not a valid reason. The truth is, we were feeling sorry for ourselves, and there were numerous things about our playing style that I found disappointing, both when we had control of the ball and when we didn't. Ultimately, Blackburn played better than us and deserved to win the game.

"It's not tolerable for a club as huge and important as ours, and as the leader of the team, it is incumbent upon me to take ownership of the situation."

During an interview with BBC Radio Lancashire, John Eustace, the manager of Blackburn, shared his thoughts.

The display was truly remarkable. The outcome was expected due to consistently excellent performances throughout my tenure here.

There was a sense of unity. The game began with Sunderland having an advantage, causing us to feel some stress initially. However, the team's ability to remain calm and composed demonstrated their dedication to the progress they have been making.

We have had many tied matches, but the most crucial aspect is that we emerged victorious while adhering to our style of playing and demonstrating a high level of determination by defending the goal area.

The attackers in the front were unbeatable sometimes, but what mattered the most to me was their efforts without the ball. They supported the team, which enabled them to perform well and score their goals.

The defensive line was impressive, and the two players in the middle of the field, especially Joe Costello, who returned after being absent from the team for a while, played incredibly well.

The game has concluded, with Sunderland scoring only 1 goal while Blackburn Rovers have taken a commanding lead with 5 goals.

The second part of the game has finished, with Sunderland scoring only one goal and Blackburn Rovers scoring five goals.

Callum Styles gave away a corner kick to Blackburn Rovers.

Blocked shot! Sammie Szmodics made an effort with his right foot from the right side of the box, but it was stopped by the opposition. Sondre Tronstad helped with the play.

The soccer player Jobe Bellingham from Sunderland aimed a shot towards the center of the box, but unfortunately it was blocked by the opposing goalkeeper and prevented from going into the net. The shot was taken with Bellingham's left foot and was aimed towards the middle of the goal.

The endeavor was blocked. Bradley Dack from Sunderland utilized his left foot to shoot from the middle of the box, but it was saved in the center of the goal. Jack Clarke helped in the attempt.

The shot from Trai Hume (Sunderland) using his right foot from beyond the box went astray towards the left and didn't make it into the goal.

Chris Rigg (Sunderland) committed a violation.

Ben Chrisene from Blackburn Rovers has received a free kick in their own defensive half.

Blackburn Rovers were penalized for being offside. Sammie Szmodics was caught in an offside position.

The goalkeeper successfully stopped the ball from entering the net. Luke O'Nien of Sunderland attempted a header from the right side of the box, but it was saved in the top centre of the goal. Pierre Ekwah assisted with a cross.

Jack Clarke from Sunderland has been awarded a free kick on the wing located on the left-hand side.

Dilan Markanday (Blackburn Rovers) committed a violation.

Score! Sunderland is down 1 while Blackburn Rovers has put in 5. Andrew Moran of Blackburn Rovers kicked the ball with his right foot and it went straight into the center of the goal from a very short distance. This was achieved with the help of a quick break from Sammie Szmodics.

An unsuccessful try was made by Sammie Szmodics of Blackburn Rovers who shot with his right foot from a very short distance, but unfortunately missed on the right side. The shot was taken after a quick and sudden attack by the team.

Bradley Dack from Sunderland committed a foul.

The player Callum Brittain from Blackburn Rovers earns a free kick while in their own half of the field.

Trai Hume (Sunderland) committed a foul.

On the left flank, a free kick is awarded to Tyrhys Dolan from Blackburn Rovers.

Score! Sunderland has made one goal against Blackburn Rovers' four goals. Chris Rigg (from Sunderland) used his left foot to kick the ball from a very short distance to the lower right corner of the goal.