In any common season, a visit to Liverpool would trigger a shudder amongst Sunderland supporters, however this has been removed from an peculiar marketing campaign for the Black Cats.
After the forgettable 1-0 loss to Fulham, Regis Le Bris appropriately reverted to a again 4, which allowed our attacking gamers to get extra concerned in opposition to Bournemouth. Regardless of going two objectives down, the Lads but once more confirmed perception and need to provide probably the most spectacular ends in latest reminiscence.
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Whereas there might have been some temptation to stay to the identical formation, all of us knew that the gaffer would favour 5 on the again in opposition to the Premier League champions. Sure, they’ve been depressing of late, however they’re a aspect brimming with high quality and possess a rejuvenated Alexander Isak.
Le Bris’ rotation meant a return and an enormous take a look at for Trai Hume in addition to a well-deserved begin for Brian Brobbey, who has bagged two objectives of important significance.
As has been the case with many video games this season, I felt comparatively calm heading into this one. Towards the larger golf equipment within the division, we’ve produced our greatest performances. If we turned up in opposition to Arne Slot’s all-stars, then I fancied us to come back away with at the least a degree.
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Straight from kick-off, Sunderland confirmed intent and goal going ahead, with Nordi Mukiele and Enzo Le Payment wanting significantly menacing down the right-hand aspect.
When out of possession, Le Bris’ males received into their defensive form rapidly, with a five-man defend stopping Liverpool from creating something threatening. It appeared that the champions must do one thing particular to interrupt down the Wearsiders’ resolute barrier.
On 23 minutes, Robin Roefs produced a second of insanity, kicking the ball straight to the opposition. With most of our gamers up the park, we have been fortunate that Florian Wirtz, the £116 million man, in some way shot broad of the put up from shut vary. Maybe the strain of Dan Ballard was an excessive amount of for the slight German worldwide.
Unsurprisingly, Liverpool focused our right-hand aspect, perhaps figuring out Hume because the weaker hyperlink in our again 5. Certainly, the house aspect discovered pleasure down that flank, with Coady Gakpo wanting significantly harmful. In equity to Hume, I assumed he did nicely, however was let down by these round him who needlessly gave the ball away.
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Then, virtually out of nowhere, two moments price shouting about. First, Omar Alderete’s speculative bicycle kick seemed picture-perfect in entrance of the tv. However then, Hume delivered a rocket from lengthy vary, which appeared destined for the highest nook, just for Alisson to tip it onto the bar.
Because the match approached half-time, Sunderland would have felt unlucky to not be stepping into forward, however then a few substantial moments. The hosts got here mighty shut when Alexis McAllister’s header struck the put up, however then Chemsdine Talbi examined Alisson, who may solely tip over his personal bar.
With no objectives within the first half, the Black Cats might be happy with their play and the issues they brought about the Merseysiders on their very own turf. As they’ve proven time and time once more this season, they really feel comfy mixing it with the massive boys.
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Inevitably, Slot turned to Mo Salah on the break, with Liverpool determined to make one thing occur. Nonetheless, I assumed it was weird that Gakpo was the person to make method, as he seemed threatening each time he picked up the ball on the left.
The Reds instantly seemed extra purposeful on the ball and delivered some troublesome balls into the field, which our centre-backs handled nicely. Nonetheless, we have been pinned again and defending deeper than we had within the entirety of the primary half. Though we weren’t hanging on, issues felt a little bit extra unsure.
Then, an incredible pinpoint cross discovered the marauding Reinildo down the left, who seemed like Usain Bolt as he latched onto the ball forward of Joe Gomez. The Liverpool defender may solely deliver down the Mozambique worldwide, resulting in an inevitable reserving. Nonetheless, Le Payment’s free-kick was woeful and drifted over Alisson’s bar.
Whereas we needed to stand up to strain, then got here the Ibrahima Konate second, letting in Brobbey, just for the bounce to fall unkindly. For a break up second, it seemed like some neat trickery from Talbi had him in on aim, nevertheless it didn’t fairly fall for the Moroccan.
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Sunderland then labored two wonderful probabilities in succession. A drifting ball to the again put up seemed destined to search out Brobbey, however for Konate to go behind. Then, a well labored free-kick discovered Alderete on the close to put up, along with his header placing the upright. Would it not be third time fortunate for the Lads?
Le Bris’ first change on the hour noticed Brobbey make method for Wilson Isidor, who was introduced on to inject some tempo within the ahead line. It should be mentioned that the massive Dutchman performed fantastically, however the change was the suitable name.
Dare I say it had been coming? Talbi, who had been menacing all night time, waltzed in the direction of the penalty space, with Virgil van Dijk standing off him, giving him method an excessive amount of room. The tough winger then unleashed on the Liverpool aim, with the ball deflecting off van Dijk and previous the helpless Alisson.
Because the digicam panned to the Sunderland finish, there was my boyhood hero, Kevin Phillips, celebrating in sheer jubilation with the Black Cats trustworthy.
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With Hume down with a head harm, all that might be heard was “Sunderland ‘til I die” from the away finish. The House followers silent. With Hugo Ekitike on, the Reds had all of their aces on the pitch, however that they had but to create any actual hazard.
Sunderland’s willpower was epitomised by Reinildo, who put in a perfectly timed sliding sort out on Dominik Szobozlai late on. Sure, he has had his foolish moments, however what a signing he has been for this crew.
There may be at all times a hazard of sitting again whenever you’re a aim to the nice, however Sunderland have held out some shut wins already this marketing campaign. Le Bris subbed on Lutsharel Geertruida for Le Payment with 10 minutes to go, clearly hellbent on preserving a clear sheet and bolting the door shut.
Actually moments later, it needed to be Wirtz. Simply as my Previous Man mentioned, “The place is Wirtz?” the German confirmed some fast toes within the space to carve out a shot on aim, which snuck previous Roefs and into the again of the online. Not that it mattered, however the aim was given as a Mukiele personal aim.
One of many highlights of the encounter was seeing Luke O’Nien come on for his Premier League debut, though it should have been an extremely nervy one for Mr Sunderland.
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It should be mentioned, we took a battering on the finish of the sport, however then got here the second to win the match. Roefs, who had been down with a head harm, picked out probably the most phenomenal cross I’ve ever seen to set by means of Isidor one-on-one with Alisson.
The ahead glided in the direction of the Brazilian and took it spherical him, however Federico Chiesa did brilliantly to cease the ball going into the online. We’ve seen Isidor rating these sorts of probabilities time and time once more, and I feel he ought to have punished the house aspect.
So there it ended. Properly, that was relentless. On reflection, a degree at Anfield can’t be sniffed at, however the recreation was there for the taking when Isidor was by means of on aim. After all, I’m happy with the Lads but once more, and the way may I be upset with the efficiency?
These are the instances now we have been ready for as Sunderland followers, and it’s an absolute pleasure to look at this crew combine it with the most effective groups in Europe.