Do Sunderland Have a New Dream Duo in Mayenda and Isidor?
01/04/2025 01:00 AM
With goals and a newfound partnership, Mayenda and Wilson are showing signs of a strike force Sunderland can rely on. Could this be the key to unlocking defences and pushing the team forward?
With both our front men on target on Wednesday night, do we have the makings of a dream duo up top?
Mayenda has been guilty of missing clear-cut chances in recent weeks, but had they gone in, he'd be close to double figures for the season. Meanwhile, the mad Frenchman, Wilson Isidor, hasn't had the service required to get the best out of him. However, against Sheffield United, we saw what they are truly capable of when on top form.
Mayenda's goal was brilliant. The way he brought the ball down, followed by the touch out of his feet to create space, was the hallmark of a seasoned professional. Unlike the game against Blackburn, he got his head up, saw that the keeper had committed, and exposed the goal.
The finish was as cool as you like — not what you'd expect from a player who might be lacking confidence after missing a free header from five yards against Stoke.
The difference in his performance against The Blades compared to his previous two appearances was night and day. Everything about his game resembled a proper number 9, from his hold-up play to his directness. Based on Regis's decision to play two up top, I'm advocating to see more of that traditional formation.
Wilson benefited from having someone alongside him, allowing him to make runs into the channels or stand on the centre-back. With Mayenda often dropping in to support the midfield or Roberts, Sheffield's defence was dragged out of position, creating space behind.
Wilson's goal was excellent — a show of sheer determination to beat his man, followed by the clinical finishing we've seen all season. He's a clever footballer, something we've not had the fortune of witnessing in quite some time.
Where have we seen this before? I'd liken them to the strike partnership of Darren Bent and Kenwyne Jones — two of the best forwards we've had since Quinn and Phillips. The lads have a long way to go to cement themselves as Sunderland's supreme strike force, but they're off to a great start. Bent was a natural goalscorer, much like Wilson. Some of the goals we've seen him score this season have been ridiculous. Mayenda, on the other hand, is learning to use his size and athleticism, much like Jones did for us.
A prime example of this was when he pinned the defender, spun away, and forced a save from the keeper late in the second half.
It's fantastic to see our forwards performing and complementing each other. This newfound partnership gives us a different approach and, by playing two up top, could be the solution to breaking down stubborn teams who sit deep.
On to Portsmouth. HAWAY THE LADS!
