Having been fortunate enough to be present for both the AZ Alkmaar and Torreense fixtures, Thursday evening’s game against Lech Poznań was the first Sunderland European match in my lifetime that I had to follow on TV. It is hard to describe, but there was something ‘proper’ about the experience. I’ve seen other teams do this type of thing on plenty of occasions, but to watch the Lads in action over a thousand miles away, playing in an unfamiliar environment and facing up to an old-school continental atmosphere was something else, and certainly a feeling I could get used to going forward.
The teatime kick-off helped, I think. Work seemed to go much quicker knowing that the match was just around the corner, and it is nice that people will have been able to take it in with a couple of drinks but still be right for when their next shift comes along on Friday morning. No doubt the Musings and Talking Points lads will give a more detailed analysis of the occasion, but on the back of this somewhat historic event – Sunderland’s first-ever draw in European competition – I thought I would share some of my own standout thoughts.
- The first twenty minutes or so were like a computer game. Both sides seemed to bypass the midfield and just went for goal as soon as they got possession, and on a different night Sunderland could, and possibly should, have put the game to bed before half-time.
- The blistering start came on the back of an early goal, and it was brilliant to see that, after recent weeks, it was us who were able to capitalise on a defensive error.
- Nilson Angulo had his best game in a while, and although not everything came off for him, it was good to be reminded that he has a real box of tricks to work with. The assist for the opener presumably gave him a shot of confidence, because he was much more positive than he has been of late.
- Kevin Danso, who I did not expect to play, is a solid penalty-box defender. He can head and he can block, no problem; it is only when he is further up the pitch that the fears creep in. On the whole, though, the back four were much more composed, and we need to see more of the same against Leeds United.
- Too many shots were scuffed or played softly along the ground and into the hands of the goalkeeper. Others, however, were smashed high or wide – there was little in between. More clinical finishing would have seen Sunderland cruising, I feel, yet the sheer volume of chances created should still be seen as a positive.
- Levels were up across the board, but the performances from more inexperienced players were particularly encouraging. Whilst not wanting to put too much pressure on one individual, Jules Ahoka, who has barely played any senior football yet, has the makings of a quality midfielder.
- The corner that led to the equaliser wasn’t defended well enough, but the actual finish from Leo Bengtsson was first-class all the same. With so many bodies in the way, he did well to pick his spot – annoying as that is to admit.
- In a second half that was quieter in general, Sunderland were still the stronger side and showed more quality. They carved out some good chances for themselves and, for a moment, looked to have won it, with Chris Rigg’s curler getting plenty of supporters out of their seats.
- A more natural striker than Timur Tutierov may have gone for goal rather than teeing up Rigg, and had either Brian Brobbey or Wilson Isidor been available to come off the bench, the Lads could well have made a late chance count. Still, Tutierov more than played his part; he was much more involved, and, like any youngster breaking through, he has our backing. That goal will always be a special memory for him, and now his task is to push on even more.
- We are starting to get the Robin Roefs we all know and love back, and that double save at 1-1 was brilliant, wasn’t it?
- Although making four substitutions at once, plus another one later, wasn’t enough to ensure the win this time, sharing the workload is imperative right now. It is a huge advantage to have players like Habib Diarra returning, plus strong options on the bench, and if the squad can start firing on all cylinders again, it has the ability to progress on a few fronts.
- Points dropped, but the overall output? Well, we can work with that. The Brighton & Hove Albion and Bournemouth showings had little going for them, but against Poznań there were signs of improvement, signs of intent and signs that these players are capable of a hell of a lot more. This was a hundred times better than the weekend and stopped the rot of four consecutive league defeats.
- Many will have looked at the hosts’ previous European results and expected Sunderland to win, but Poznań have been scoring for fun in their domestic games and were unlikely to be as much of a pushover as they were against a very strong Leverkusen team last time out in this competition. Like Sunderland, they wanted to produce a response, but had the benefit of being at home for a third fixture running and, as a fellow Pot 3 club with masses of European know-how, presented a stern test.
- With the Poles flying high in their own league and probably more confident than his own squad, Régis Le Bris can use the reaction shown by the players on Thursday as a starting point. It looked like a fantastic trip for those who were there. Now let’s build on it, please!