Sunderland's draw at Burnley: A frustrating result, but a sign of genuine progress
Today at 01:00 AM
A mature display from the Black Cats highlights their evolution into serious promotion contenders.
When the final whistle blew at Turf Moor on Friday night, there was a feeling of disbelief in Sunderland circles.
This stemmed from the fact that we'd failed to take all three points, fury at James Trafford's pre-penalty antics as he sought to gain a psychological edge on Wilson Isidor, and how the dropped points might affect our promotion hopes.
On a brief side note, had Anthony Patterson rattled Burnley's players to the extent that they missed two penalties, we would've almost certainly hailed him as a hero and a master student at the Jordan Pickford Academy of Goalkeeping Mind Games, so blaming the Clarets' stopper felt like something of a red herring to me.
To a point, it felt as though the overall nature of the Lads' display was in real danger of being overshadowed completely, and this was a real shame, as before a mad ten-minute spell during which two fortuitous spot kicks went our way and Isidor backed himself not once but twice, we'd acquitted ourselves with real maturity, purpose and positivity.
In extreme close-up, the result was immensely frustrating, yet viewed from a broader perspective, in many ways it felt like another major step forward for Régis Le Bris and his team.
Prior to the game I was convinced that this Burnley side — dogged, well-drilled and defensively resolute under the guidance of Scott Parker — were there to be got at, and it was imperative that the Lads didn't approach the game with a 'plucky underdog' mentality.
Their relatively modest goalscoring stats suggested that they aren't as ferocious as Vincent Kompany's all-conquering class of 2022/2023, and once we weathered some early Clarets pressure we quickly established a foothold which then turned into genuine competitiveness as two elite Championship sides battled it out.
The midfield battle on Friday night was always going to be key and there's no doubt that the axis of Dan Neil, who's growing into the captaincy with every game he plays, and Jobe, who doesn't seem to feel pressure no matter how tight a space he may be operating in, turned in the kind of performance that showcased their immense talent.
Neil was all drive, command and control, whereas Jobe's elusiveness and range of passing were exhibited beautifully as we constantly sought to take the game to the hosts.
In contrast it's fair to say that Chris Rigg, so influential earlier in the season, perhaps isn't quite hitting those heights at the moment, but you would hope that when certain players hit dips in form, others will step up and carry the burden.
This wasn't the kind of display built on a vague ideal implemented by Le Bris or football based on little more than 'vibes'. Instead, it was measured and executed superbly, and it showed that we're beginning to evolve from a side built around promise to one propelled by genuine belief.
It would be remiss to highlight the positives from Sunderland's display without mentioning Isidor, but let's be clear: no footballer should ever express 'shame' at being the penalty fall guy, and as noble and as well-intentioned as it was, Isidor shouldn't have felt the need to ask for forgiveness in the aftermath of this game.
The French striker has won the hearts of our fans this season with his passion for the game, array of spectacular goals and affable personality, and just as Jobe didn't need to apologise for a misplaced defensive header at Southampton last season, I honestly didn't feel that Isidor needed to do so on Friday night.
Had he buried a glorious chance midway through the second half after a peach of a ball from impressive debutant Enzo Le Fée, or held his nerve for the second spot kick in the face of some fabulous theatrics from Trafford, the entire narrative would've been different.
On the other hand, the Sunderland dressing room is clearly a good place to be, with the players backing each other unequivocally, and Neil's post-match interview illustrated as much. Isidor will be back, and almost certainly with aplomb.
Friday's game was extremely enjoyable to watch, and it highlighted exactly why these two sides, along with Leeds United and Sheffield United, are setting the pace at the summit of the league. By and large, it was also played in a very good spirit until chaos erupted during the latter stages.
Furthermore, it also represented more genuine progress for Sunderland after the unhappiness of 2023/2024, as well as evidence that these players simply needed a coach of appropriate calibre to point them in the right direction once again.
We are where we are on merit.
We're underdogs no longer, and that in itself represents a crucial change of mentality as we strive to bring Premier League football back to Wearside.
Although two points were ultimately dropped, there's no doubt in my mind that we also gained a great deal on a lively Friday night in Lancashire, and we now need to ensure we take advantage of some favourable-looking fixtures to come, starting tomorrow night at Pride Park.
