David Moyes facing his old side Everton promised to be an entertaining game – but its outcome might not have been what he was hoping for.
The game started slowly, with the first half hardly being a classic.
Someone please score #SUNEVE
— Hampy (@h8mpy) September 12, 2016
Enthralling first half at the Stadium Of Light so far #SUNEVE pic.twitter.com/gy7QcLTmIK
— Certain Betting (@CertainBetting) September 12, 2016
There were still talking points though, particularly with England man Ross Barkley being subbed off at half-time by Ronald Koeman.
Really not surprised Barkley has been subbed. Just doesn't do enough. #SUNEVE
— Danny (@dannyhall___) September 12, 2016
Good to see Koeman happy to make early subs! Can see why big Sam didn't pick Barkley! #SUNEVE #COYB
— Tim McCarthy (@Tim_Mac82) September 12, 2016
Bad day at the office for Barkley.
— Sportdec (@SportdecApp) September 12, 2016
He's been replaced by Deulofeu.#SUNEVE #Everton pic.twitter.com/p9A7KAHWPN
But this game was all about the second half, and after 1,139 minutes without a competitive goal, Romelu Lukaku showed up with three in the space of 11 minutes, bagging first a header…
Then another header from a brilliant cross by new signing Yannick Bolasie…
And finally a fine low finish.
It’s fair to say fans thought Lukaku’s performance was something special.
Lukaku is bullying them. #SUNEVE
— Abs (@ao__t_) September 12, 2016
Lukaku has happened to Sunderland #SUNEVE
— Ndyamuhaki Emanzi (@Emanzi20) September 12, 2016
Lukaku this evening... #SUNEVE pic.twitter.com/5444Yn2LLJ
— 888sport (@888sport) September 12, 2016
Live pictures of Romelu Lukaku vs Sunderland... #SUNEVE pic.twitter.com/rieWJgC4kt
— BigSport (@BigSportGB) September 12, 2016
The goals meant he was one of the highest scoring players for fantasy football teams this weekend.
Lukaku has scored. Good time to put him in your fantasy teams, folks.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) September 12, 2016
When you remember you've put Lukaku as your fantasy football captain 😄😄😄 pic.twitter.com/lgm7D1kpUi
— TheSPORTbible (@TSBible) September 12, 2016
When you transfer Lukaku in and make him your fantasy captain in the week he scores a hat-trick 😏 #FPL #SUNEVE pic.twitter.com/93uMLI9pWE
— Will Dyer (@w2Dyer) September 12, 2016
The 3-0 defeat meant things aren’t looking good for Sunderland, who have only one point from the first four games, and many of their fans left the Stadium Of Light before the final whistle.
The empty seats didn’t go unnoticed by fans either…
Pretty empty stadium #SUNEVE
— James Zielinski (@jameszielinski) September 12, 2016
If Everton score again, the rest of the Sunderland fans in the stand will leave, and we'll be able to read the writing on the seats. #SUNEVE
— Johnny Gallagher (@Johnny_G2012) September 12, 2016
Moyes found facing his old club of 11 years was hardly a picnic – and neither was the Twitter reaction.
Inside the mind of David Moyes...
— NOW TV Sport (@NOWTVSport) September 12, 2016
'Maybe if I keep hold of the ball, Lukaku won't score anymore goals.'#SUNEVE pic.twitter.com/LFdIngZ5JM
Never forget #SUNEVE pic.twitter.com/eHp9se47YV
— Kim is a tic (@UpTheTicsTV) September 12, 2016
When you realise that you are absolutely, undeniably screwed in every possible way. #SUNEVE pic.twitter.com/opnyKt8FLr
— Ben Jones-Groves (@BenRJones2) September 12, 2016
Moyes slumped lifelessly in his chair, looking dejected. 3-0 at Home will do that to you #SUNEVE
— Ifeoluwa Wole-Osho (@Zeus_Ares) September 12, 2016
Perhaps Moyes was right. Sunderland's relegation battle begins NOW #SUNEVE
— Dennis Kioko (@Its_Sir_Dennis) September 12, 2016
How long before Moyes is sacked 😂😂😂 #SUNEVE pic.twitter.com/4OqjMh7BaG
— Andy Riley (@Andyriley88) September 12, 2016
He’ll be hoping for a sturdier performance when his side come up against Tottenham next Sunday. Fans of third-placed Everton though will be hoping for more of the same.
