Larsson makes amends

Sebastian Larsson made the transition from villain to hero as he ensured Martin O'Neill's reign as Sunderland manager began with a precious victory.

Seven days earlier, the Sweden international's missed penalty sparked a fightback which saw Wolves come from 1-0 down to beat the Black Cats 2-1, with the newly-appointed O'Neill watching from the stands at Molineux.

But the 26-year-old made amends at the earliest possible opportunity yesterday when he curled home the injury-time free-kick which completed a similar recovery for Sunderland, with fellow strugglers Blackburn this time on the receiving end. And Larsson said: "I felt I needed to do something and I am happy I got a goal, especially after last weekend."

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