Everton and Sunderland relationship examined ahead of Monday night clash
Everton face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Monday, in a game that goes far beyond football.
Sunderland have had an excellent start to the season, while Everton have shown some signs of struggle, with just three wins from their opening nine games.
David Moyes will be looking to rectify that when Everton travel to face Sunderland on Monday night, with hopes of building his already impressive record against the Black Cats.
However, while the two sides will be enemies for 90 minutes, the feeling between supporters is mutual, and there are several reasons why.
Bradley Lowery united Sunderland and Everton
The Premier League has an extended list of legends, though Bradley Lowery certainly earned his place high up on that list.
Bradley was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at just 18 months old, which is a rare form of childhood cancer, and despite the struggles, he wore a smile on his face that brought supporters all around the world together, and it was no different at Everton.
Back in 2016, Everton donated £200,000 to the Bradley Lowery Foundation to help raise funds for Bradley’s treatment.
Not only that, but the Toffees invited his family to be guests of honour at Goodison Park, and when Sunderland came to Merseyside, the reception from the home support was marvellous.
Sunderland fans respected Everton for the way they treated Bradley and his family with an incredible amount of love.
Jordan Pickford is a Sunderland boy
This season, a lot of the focus has been on the likes of Iliman Ndiaye and Jack Grealish, both of whom have been magnificent.
However, Jordan Pickford has rarely emerged with as much credit as he deserves, and it has been a theme throughout his career.
Pickford first broke into senior football with Sunderland, before joining Everton and going on to establish himself as England’s number one.
Seeing one of their own make it to that level, Sunderland fans loved seeing it, and the pair still share a special connection despite the competition on the pitch.
Monday night’s clash at the Stadium of Light will be the first time Pickford has played at the Stadium of Light as an opposition player, and the reception for the England international will no doubt be touching.
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