Keith Hackett Exclusive: Kevin Phillips gets it wrong with Nottingham Forest vs Sunderland comment live on Sky Sports
Sunderland won their first Premier League away game of the season against Nottingham Forest on Saturday evening.
Regis Le Bris men have had a couple of statement wins to start the season as Sunderland continue their quest to stay in the Premier League beyond this season.
Sunderland were disappointed with Habib Diarra's injury update, but Le Bris was pleased to learn Nottingham Forest's injury problems heading into Saturday's clash.
The first half in particular brought all the action, with one incident at the centre of attention in the East Midlands in a game Sunderland edged 1-0.
Keith Hackett reacts to Kevin Phillips' half-time comment on Sky Sports
Sunderland's winning goal was a contentious one as it came via a free-kick Nottingham Forest felt should not have been given.
Nicolas Dominguez and Trai Hume each went for the ball in what was effectively a 50-50, but the former of the two was cautioned for perceived simulation as a free-kick was awarded to the Black Cats.
Kalvin Phillips - speaking live on Sky Sports at half-time - implied the referee only booked the Forest player due to Sunderland players getting in his ear.
| Opponent | Result |
| Nottingham Forest (A) | 1-0 win |
| Aston Villa (H) | 1-1 draw |
| Crystal Palace (A) | 0-0 draw |
However, speaking exclusively to Mackem News, former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett quickly shot that suggestions down.
"Decisions will be made to the best of the referee’s ability according to the Laws of the Game and the ‘spirit of the game’," Hackett said.
"It will be based solely on the opinion of the referee, who has the discretion to take appropriate action within the framework of the Laws of the Game. I do not expect players to ever influence a referee."
Sunderland deserved all three points against Nottingham Forest
Forest are still transitioning to Ange Postecoglou's style after the sacking of Nuno Espirito Santo, and Sunderland - without taking credit away from the Black Cats - took full advantage of that.
Sunderland showed yet another resolute defensive performance and managed to get the all-important first goal, which turned out to be the match-winner through Omar Alderete's first-half header.
- Sunderland created three big chances to Forest's one
- Robin Roefs had another great performance making six saves
- Sunderland sit third in the Premier League
Captain Granit Xhaka continues to prove to be one of the signings of the summer as he provided the assist for Alderete's goal.
Sunderland, full of confidence, travel to Old Trafford next to face a lacklustre Manchester United side, in hopes of another huge three points.
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