The first shot on target came on the 35th minute when James Garner fired a long-range shot that was comfortably saved by Robin Roefs, the Dutch goalkeeper. However, Roefs was soon called upon to make more challenging saves, including a close-range header from James Tarkowski that he tipped wide for a corner.

As the half drew to a close, Sunderland increased their pressure, and just before halftime, they took the lead in fortunate circumstances. Merlin Röhl cut inside from the right and shot low, with the ball taking a deflection off Granit Xhaka's leg, giving the German his first goal for Everton.

Everton had been on a strong run, having lost only one of their previous eight games, but a slow start to the second half, combined with Sunderland's increased intensity, raised anxiety levels among the Everton fans at Hill Dickinson Stadium.