Sunderland hit Championship summit as Jobe Bellingham throws down gauntlet to Jude

Jobe Bellingham threw down the gauntlet to big brother Jude with a stunning goal at the Stadium of Light last night as Sunderland went top of the table by beating Derby 2-0.

The Real Madrid superstar will be lining up against Lille in the Champions League on Wednesday night but his sibling is determined to write his own headlines these days.

After the crowd had been treated to a spectacular light show before kick off, Bellingham illuminated the Sunderland faithful with his first goal of the season.

Seizing on Tawanda Chirewa’s loose pass, the teenager unleashed a thunderous 25 yard shot to break Derby’s resistance.

READ MORE: Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid SUSPENDED as fans 'throw poo' at Thibaut Courtois

READ MORE: Jude Bellingham speaks out on David Beckham encounter - 'They say don't meet your heroes'

And when Wilson Isidor scored his second goal in successive games in the 55 th minute, it ensured Regis Le Bris’ side maintained their 100 per cent record on home soil.

The former Zenit St Petersburg striker slid in at the near post to meet Romaine Mundle’s low cross ahead of two Derby defenders.

Sunderland face Leeds at home on Friday and another victory then really will have the Mackems believing promotion is a realistic target in the months ahead.

“In a tight game like that, it was so important to score the first goal and after that we kept our shape and discipline,” said Le Bris.

“I would have liked us to be more dominant in possession but it is never easy to win straight after a defeat. It shows a good mentality.”

The Rams, without an away win so far, had started brightly with debutant Marcus Harness going close in the third minute.

But the Black Cats, who have yet to concede a goal at home, gradually clicked into gear, creating several chances before Bellingham’s gem.

Mundle had one effort saved and fired narrowly wide while Isidor was narrowly off target with a near post header.

“Sunderland were better than us,” said Rams chief Paul Warne.

“The second goal really killed us but after that, I thought we were really good and caused them problems.”

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.