Nilson Angulo scored Sunderland’s direct free-kick in its 2–1 loss to Ipswich during the 2026–27 opening weekend.
The Ecuadorian forward equalised for Sunderland at Portman Road after Ipswich had taken the lead through Emersonn. Angulo’s direct free-kick was notable beyond the match because it was Sunderland’s first goal of the Premier League season.
The goal also ended a long statistical gap. Angulo became the first player to score his side’s first Premier League-season goal directly from a free-kick since Marcos Alonso did so for Chelsea in 2021–22.
Ipswich ultimately won when substitute Jack Clarke scored in the 90th minute against his former club. The 2–1 result gave Ipswich its first Matchweek 1 top-flight victory since 1993–94 and completed a successful return to the division.