Why Sunderland Have So Much To Be Positive About After Difficult Run
· Yahoo Sports
After Sunderland’s 3-1 defeat to Fulham, our second home loss of the season, there were murmurings of concern and a growing fear that our campaign might fizzle out quicker than we had all hoped.
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That result marked our third successive defeat, and we had conceded three goals in four of our previous seven games. However, it is worth noting that two of those were against Arsenal and Liverpool, while the absence of a certain someone was felt just as we had feared.
Although relegation hasn’t felt like a genuine fear to me, I did notice some supporters beginning to analyse the remaining fixtures, questioning where our next points might come from.
However, after our spirited 1-1 draw with Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon, there are clearly several reasons to be optimistic as we head into the business end of the season.
On paper, a trip to the South Coast to face Andoni Iraola’s side was a daunting task: the Cherries were in fine form, and Rayan looked capable of causing havoc against what had recently been a vulnerable backline.
Before kick-off, I had a feeling we would see a reaction from Régis Le Bris’s men, as we so often have when they’ve come under scrutiny this season, and I wasn’t wrong.
From the first whistle, we were at Bournemouth’s throat, pressing aggressively, giving them no time on the ball and fighting for every inch at the Vitality Stadium.
We didn’t look like a side lacking confidence, belief or ideas. Instead, we looked like the Sunderland we’ve seen on our best days: organised, creative and hungry to make amends for our recent run of defeats.
Despite the injuries we picked up against Fulham, I thought Le Bris got his team selection spot on. The return of Granit Xhaka as skipper made a huge difference, while Chemsdine Talbi and Lutsharel Geertruida both fully justified their place in the starting XI.
With Xhaka back in the side, we just looked so much more stable. There was a clear structure again, and every player seemed to understand their role.
Trai Hume has come in for some criticism during his spell as captain, but I think a lot of that has been harsh. He’s still a young player in his first season at this level, and I think he’s done a decent job. Given time, he could well grow into that role.
We all knew we would miss Xhaka, but this performance showed exactly what we’ve been lacking over the past few weeks.
Geertruida put in another encouraging display, making some key interventions, while Talbi added the defensive solidity that had been missing from our wide players against the Cottagers.
Another big positive for me was the return of Bertrand Traoré. I’ll admit I had my doubts when he first arrived on Wearside, but he’s already proved his worth and justified that £2 million fee.
I do like the look of Nilson Angulo and Jocelin Ta Bi. I think they’re both really exciting attacking players, but right now, I don’t believe they offer the same defensive awareness that we get from Traoré and Talbi.
Perhaps the biggest concern before our trip to the South Coast was who would lead the line with Brian Brobbey out for a couple of weeks.
The decision to start Eliezer Mayenda, I felt, was the correct one, as Wilson Isidor has not shown consistency, nor has he taken his chances having been selected ahead of Eli regularly.
Indeed, while his goal was impossible to miss, he was in the right position when it mattered, and I’m sure it will build his confidence ahead of a much-needed run in the team.
Looking ahead, a clash with Leeds United at Elland Road will provide another stern test. They’re a side with real quality, and we’ll have to fight for every ball if we’re to get anything from the game.
And then there is the derby, which I’ll admit I was growing a little concerned about given our results, but I can’t see this side being phased by playing in front of a hostile crowd against an outfit that has been less than convincing.
But if this performance showed anything, it’s that this group has the character, spirit, and determination to rise to those challenges.
We’re going to have to scrap for everything between now and the end of the season, but on this evidence, I’ve got no doubt the lads will give it everything and do us proud.