Talking Points: Sunderland tame the Lions in return to winning ways
03/30/2025 01:00 AM
Trai Hume's volley helped Sunderland's fans to forget about the disappointment from before the international break — with everyone now firmly looking forwards at what is to come.
It was a much needed win and clean sheet for Sunderland following the international break and the embarrassment of the Coventry that preceded it. However for a game that was drifting past in large parts, there were more than enough moments to talk about following it...
Defensive decisions
One of the big talking points before the match was just what was going to happen with the starting line-up, particularly at the back. With rotation needed, but the squad lacking fit and available players to actually rotate in, Joe Anderson and Oli Bainbridge must could be forgiven for thinking their number had finally been called and that they would get their opportunity.
As it was, Le Bris made the decision to play Alan Browne at right-back in a move that likely highlighted how important the manager thinks he'll be in the playoff run, rather than a lack of trust in the other two.
Rather than picking up fractions of games between now and May, we took the opportunity to get 90 minutes into Browne's legs, and thus bring him closer to full-speed before the play-off run begins - a sign that depth in the centre midfield is going to be key to RLB's planned success.
There's no doubt that Jobe, Neil and Rigg will all need some time out before the end of the season, and taking one out for the odd game brings Browne in, who adds something slightly different to our midfield.
Isidor red?
Was Wilson lucky to stay on the pitch? Obviously your thoughts on the tackle are completely subjective, but as a Premier League, referee Bobby Madley could have quite easily seen it as a tackle that was studs up and out of control.
The 90s and 00s football fan in me thinks that we over-react to these challenges in modern football and a red shouldn't be anywhere near the conversation, however if that was a Premier League match with a VAR official reviewing, it could have been a different outcome for our striker.
Penalty petulance
Whilst there is no doubt that Tanganga's challenge was correctly called a foul and a penalty, the doubt over who was going to take it and subsequent argument was really quite amateurish.
It's understandable that Isidor as top scorer and main striker, would want to take the penalty. However, having already missed 2 from 2 this season, and that Mundle only two weeks on from his wonder-strike against Preston, is also desperate for it.
What I find particularly cringey though is the public bickering over the decision, like two toddlers fighting over their favourite toy train. Now, we can only assume that the ongoing tantrum was the reason Luke O'Nien ended up taking the penalty (because why the hell else would he be anywhere near taking a penalty!), but how embarrassing for that to be the resolution!
Whether its the decision of the manager and coaching staff, or of the players themselves, these decision should be made before the start of the match to avoid these invidious situations.
Whilst we are on the topic, the spoilt-child syndrome displayed by Mundle after being substituted really didn't sit well with me and I found myself really disappointed in him. He may have made amends a little by reappearing before the final whistle, but no player should be stomping off down the tunnel in abandonment of their teammates just because they weren't allowed to take a penalty.
Garnacho did it at Old Trafford recently and got crucified in the media for it and this for me is no different. I've no doubt that he'll have reflected on it and regretted it, but the reaction to not taking the penalty and his subsequent substitution is really not a good look.
O'Nien vs Whitley
Whose penalty was worse? Maybe it's recency bias, but as I sit writing this, I think it might be Luke's!
I was desperate for a Stuart Pearce-eque leathering of the ball straight down the middle, bursting the net, then a double fist-pump and a gladiatorial roar! Instead it was the opposite and I can only really say this on the matter:
- It didn't cost us any points so doesn't really matter now.
- Fair play to him for stepping up and taking it in an instant.
- His response to it on social media last night was fantastic.
And with that... here is the launch of my "Hume On Pens" campaign.
Playoff preparations
It was important to get back to winning ways yesterday. Not that it was ever really in doubt, but with Coventry, Bristol City and West Brom all losing, and the fact that many of them still have to each other to play, our playoff place is secure.
Maybe the Coventry defeat was a blessing in disguise. It allowed us to finally give up any frivolous dreams of catching and overtaking two of the current top three, and focus on the more likely outcome - a run at the playoffs.
We are in quite a unique position where we are not looking at the teams above us, nor over our shoulders at the teams below, but instead can look at ourselves and how we can best prepare to overcome any of them over a two-legged tie. We have weeks to prepare a game plan, give minutes to (and rest) those that need it, and give us the best possible chance for another trip to Wembley!
