Sunderland are but to lose at residence within the Premier League this season and Saturday’s journey to Wearside by a struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers additional strengthened the Stadium of Gentle’s popularity as a fortress.
Admittedly, the top-flight underground membership had just a few half-chances right here and there, particularly in a very open second half, however it was Régis Le Bris’ facet’s third success at residence this season when the scoreline led 2-0 and so they clinched victory at full-time.
It was a really memorable day for brand spanking new Sunderland participant Nordi Mukiele. The predatory No. 2 was rewarded with a outstanding burst of vitality as he scored the Black Cats’ first purpose throughout a cushty win.
Mukiele’s excellent efficiency for Sunderland
Heading into Saturday’s encounter, Mukiele had performed solely as a centre-back in his new employer’s teaching position.
That each one modified on Saturday towards Vitor Pereira’s challenger, with Le Bris drafting the adaptable No. 20 into the right-back place, a swap impressed by the previous Lorient supervisor.
The previous RB Leipzig defender rushed ahead and took benefit of the chance to offer the Black Cats the decisive opening purpose. Mukiele’s tenacity and the great fortune of seeing the Wolves goalkeeper cross the road gave Le Brice & Co. the platform to increase their unbeaten run within the league at residence.
Nevertheless it wasn’t simply his attacking performances that introduced smiles to the faces of everybody concerned at Wearside Giants, Mukiele continued to modify on defensively as he received an awesome 15 duels all through the match.
Statsman Dave hailed the 27-year-old as “monstrous” after the 2-0 win.
Daniel Ballard has additionally received 10 video games as a central defender, and Mukiele might earn extra first-team alternatives from this full-back place.
Sadly, not all of Le Bris’ workforce choice selections have paid off equally, and one of many Black Cats’ star gamers is presently dealing with dismissal after receiving fewer touches than Robin Rufus.
Sunderland’s largest underperformance vs. Wolves
As the sport dragged on, a few of the attacking gamers struggled to indicate their energy in entrance of purpose, however Sunderland had been grateful to earn the three factors with a late personal purpose.
Regardless of his greatest efforts, Wilson Isidore was unable so as to add to Wearside’s workforce’s document of three objectives in league play this season, together with his subsequent purpose disallowed because of an offside flag on the Stadium of Gentle.
Chris Rigg, who had no offside intervention, had a lackluster efficiency with zero photographs and 22 touches on Sam Johnstone’s purpose, leaving his place within the first workforce in jeopardy.
Nevertheless, essentially the most fearsome participant could also be Mukiele’s accomplice on the left flank, Bertrand Traore. The Burkina Faso worldwide began for Le Bris within the prime flight for the primary time, however was on the pitch for simply 63 minutes.
Traore tried to interrupt by way of Wolves with two profitable dribbles, however the 30-year-old attacker trudged away on the 63-minute mark with out firing a single shot into the Previous Gold purpose regardless of stepping into some promising positions, however dig deeper and the numbers do not paint the No. 25 in a constructive mild.
Traore’s efficiency in numbers | |
|---|---|
standing | Traore |
Play time (minutes) | 63 |
Variety of factors scored | 0 |
help | 0 |
contact | twenty three |
shot | 0 |
precise path | 11/16 (69%) |
dribbling success | 2/3 |
lack of possession | 7 occasions |
Complete variety of duels received | 3/9 |
Statistics by Couch Rating | |
Traore solely had 23 touches, that means Sunderland’s shot-stopper Roofs truly had extra touches all through the sport, with the Dutchman ending with a superb 42 touches.
Traore additionally has seven extra correct passes than the Ajax loanee, and Traore additionally seems to be weaker with regards to duels than Mukiele, shedding six of his encounters.
Including to his private misfortune, the participant who changed Kemsuddin Talbi performed a key position within the game-clinching blow, together with his fast bursts ahead resulting in Ladislav Krejci’s personal purpose.
Roker Report’s Andy Tomlinson additionally gave a score of 5/10 after the match, and it seems to be like Traore is now susceptible to being chopped, even when his facet finally emerge victorious towards Wolves.

