Talking Points: Theatrics and cards a-go-go as Sunderland see off Norwich!

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The Lads secured a pre-Christmas boost as they rallied to see off the Canaries in a spicy Championship encounter. A now-defrosted Phil West looks at the game's main stories

Sunderland show their fighting spirit once again

This was the fourth game in a row in which the Lads were forced to rally from a goal behind in order to salvage a result.

Having already done so in a winning cause against Stoke City and Swansea City as well as grabbing a barely-deserved point against Bristol City, this squad is developing a real knack of digging out valuable results from awkward-looking situations, something that'll surely be worth its weight in gold down the stretch in the second half of the season.

At a freezing cold Stadium of Light, Sunderland overcame the concession of an early goal, a card-happy referee, a duff first half display and the theatrics of several Norwich players (most notably Borja Sainz, who'll surely be nominated for 'Best Actor' at next year's Oscars) to secure a victory that sets up our next two games nicely and ensures that we remain very much in the mix for promotion, as second half goals from Dan Ballard and Jobe made the difference.

The result preserved our imposing home record for 2024/2025, and although we'd all love to see Sunderland cut out their recent habit of falling behind in games, it takes real fortitude to respond to such setbacks and it says a great deal about the resilience instilled in the players by Régis Le Bris since his arrival in the summer.

'First half not so good, second half better'

The Lads found the going tough in the first forty five minutes of Saturday's game, with a real shortage of energy, a lack of cutting edge in attack, and some off-the-ball movement that was frankly bizarre at times.

Of the red and white-clad attackers, only Patrick Roberts really stood out, and when Anis Ben Slimane stabbed home the opener after some poor defending from a Norwich corner, it felt as though a tough afternoon was on the cards.

However, there was a notable upturn in the quality of our performance after the break, as we showed more aggression, energy, and incisiveness in attack, with the imperious Chris Mepham once again a tower of strength at the back and our midfield gradually starting to exert more influence.

Dan Ballard's header got us back on level terms after some good work by the lively Eliezer Mayenda, before Jobe showed his awareness and ability in a tight space, cutting inside and curling a shot past Angus Gunn to make it 2-1, with a red card for Jose Córdoba compounding the Canaries' misery.

As has often been the case this season, we didn't control matters for the entire game and the Canaries did pose some tricky questions at times, but when Sunderland are good, they're capable of taking it to any team in the league, which is exactly what happened after the break.

Norwich are a useful side, but as we've seen so often unless you put this Sunderland team away, there's always a chance of a red-and-white fightback being staged.

Jobe catches the eye in a composed display

The midfielder's confidence on the ball, awareness of space and belief in his own ability are quite something, and as a lively Championship affair flared up all around him, the prodigiously talented former Birmingham youngster went about his business classily and with the kind of maturity that's become a hallmark of his game.

It's very rare that Jobe ever appears flustered in possession — regardless of how tightly marked he is or how congested things may be. His ability to pick passes, drive forward with purpose, and keep the red and white engine room purring are qualities that we really can't do without.

A lot of what he does may look unspectacular to the naked eye, but as a component of how we play and our ability to take a game to the opposition, it's priceless and this is rapidly turning into a real breakthrough campaign for the younger Bellingham sibling.

A red and white icon returns to his former home

Arguably the biggest pre-match talking point was the return to Wearside of the iconic former Sunderland striker and chairman Niall Quinn, and some wholesome social media content featuring the former Republic of Ireland international visiting the training ground and chatting with the current crop of red and white starlets was great to see.

Interviewed on the pitch at half time after conducting the 'Haway and Play' draw, I don't mind admitting that I got a real thrill out of hearing Quinn flagging up that 4-1 victory over Chelsea in late 1999 as one of his favourite Stadium of Light moments.

If you were fortunate enough to see it, you'll know why it's so iconic, and if you didn't? YouTube is your friend, and you'll definitely want to watch the highlights!

The second half turnaround on Saturday would've doubtless filled the Irishman with a great deal of pride, and it's obvious that over two decades since his final competitive appearance for the Lads, the city and the club are still very close to his heart, and Sunderland fans young and old still hold him in very high esteem.