eplmatches.com

Sunderland produced a vastly improved second-half performance as they came from behind to avenge their midweek Carling Cup defeat by Blackburn.

Click Here to Watch Highlights

Rovers dominated the first half and led when Christopher Samba headed home from Morten Gamst Pedersen’s corner.

But the second period was all about a revitalised Sunderland side.

Kenwyne Jones pounced on an error from Blackburn goalkeeper Paul Robinson to level before Djibril Cisse converted a Steed Malbranque pass for the winner.

Blackburn boss Paul Ince made six changes to the team which beat Sunderland by the same score three days ago.

Roque Santa Cruz returned to the starting XI after marking his return from a hamstring injury with a goal after coming on as a substitute at the Stadium of Light.

LAST SEASON’S CORRESPONDING GAME

Blackburn Rovers 1-0 Sunderland

2 January 2008 – Ref: Rob Styles
Blackburn scorer: McCarthy 57 pen
Sent Off: Yorke (Sunderland) 71