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Welcome to the Independent's live coverage of the Premier League as Sunderland host Middlesbrough and Bournemouth travel to the London Stadium to face West Ham United.
Saturday's Premier League results:
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David Moyes insisted it was ‘not outrageous’ of Sunderland to expect Lamine Kone to commit himself to the club months after signing a long-term contract.
Moyes has responded firmly to the first test of his authority as Sunderland manager, demanding that the centre-half wait until the transfer window closes before he discusses a new deal, which is likely to be a one-year extension.
The 27-year-old Ivorian international signed a four-year contract in January when moving to Wearside from Lorient. Last week Kone travelled to Merseyside in an attempt to force a transfer to Everton and then his agent released a statement saying: “I have asked the manager and chief executive to be allowed to leave Sunderland Football Club.” Everton are prepared to pay up to £18m for the defender.
10 MINS
Jermain Defoe gets his first real chance of the game, as he weaves throughout blue shirts in the box and secures a corner. Januzaj and Defoe are linking together well, and the home side continue to close down any outlets from Middlesbrough.
The Black Cats are certainly looking the more dangerous so far.
13 MINS
GOAL!
And what a strike that was. Despite Sunderland's early dominance, Christhian Stuani has buried a beautiful strike right into the top corner from distance to break the deadlock for Middlesbrough.
It is the visitors first attempt on goal, and the Uruguayans first Premier League goal.
What a start.
23 MINS
Rodwell is looking lively and looks like a key aspect to The Black Cats attacking force. He has potential cause a few problems out there today.
24 MINS
Januzaj breaks towards the byline as he dances through the Middlesbrough defence, but due to a lack of ability on his weaker foot - the delivery is easily dealt with. He appears to lack confidence in crossing the ball with his right foot, so this needs to be an area of improvement for the youngster.
25 MINS
YELLOW CARD
Adam Clayton has been given a yellow card for a clumsy tackle of Januzaj. The English midfielder picked up 13 yellow cards last season, so he needs to be careful. Januzaj will do that all day and will continue to irritate the opposition with his pace and skill.
40 MINS
Sunderland are desperate to equalise before half time, as the a magical strike from Stuani continues to be all that can seperate the two sides, despite an impressive start from The Black Cats. They continue to pile on the pressure, but Middlesbrough continue to look defensively strong.
43 MINS
Lynden Gooch voices his frustration, as he hacks down Stuani inside of his own half. Foul given.
68 MINS
Defending in numbers seems to be the method for the visitors, as they pull everyone back to camp behind the ball. It's not the most aesthetically pleasing defensive tactic, but it appears to be working.
70 MINS
GOAL!
The Black Cats are back in it!
Rodwell strikes the ball at Guzan, who parries the ball into the path of Patrick van Aanholt who buries it from close range.
This will give them hope and if they continue to produce this pressure - anything can happen.
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