Black Cats boss in dark mood after Boro loss

22 August 2016 - 09:31 By JASON MELLOR

It is a little over three months since Sunderland's fourth feat of Premier League escapology in a row, but just two games into this campaign David Moyes has already warned supporters to expect the same again. Middlesbrough ruthlessly exploited their opponents' limitations to secure a 2-1 win - their first top-flight away win in almost eight years, courtesy of a double strike from Uruguay forward Cristhian Stuani.It left Moyes in little mood to pull his punches."They're probably right [about a relegation battle]. That's what they've had for the last four years so why should it change? I don't think we can hide the facts," said the new Sunderland manager.Patrick van Aanholt pulled a goal back with 19 minutes left to paper over significant cracks, but for long spells Moyes cut a forlorn figure on the sideline, no doubt pondering the 10 days before the closure of the transfer window.Meanwhile, West Ham United's bow at the London Stadium ended with a 1-0 win over Bournemouth courtesy of Michail Antonio's 85th-minute header.West Ham have moved into the arena after leaving the Boleyn Ground and Antonio's late goal made their first domestic fixture at the ground one to remember.Bournemouth's Josh King threatened to spoil West Ham's big day with a long-range strike early in the second half, drawing a full-stretch save from home goalkeeper Adrian. © The Daily Telegraph, additional reporting by AFP..

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.