Sunderland forward Timur Tutierov emotionally admitted that he had “goosebumps” after scoring his first senior goal for the Black Cats in the Europa League draw against Lech Poznan.
Sunderland drew 1-1 with Poznan on Thursday evening to continue their unbeaten start to the Europa League campaign, with Regis Le Bris once again turning to Academy of Light graduate Tutierov to lead the line for the third game running.
The Black Cats made the perfect start against the reigning Polish champions, with early pressure from Sunderland seeing Poznan lose possession, seeing Nilson Angulo set up Tutierov, who dispatched a deft header after just 78 seconds to open his senior account for the club.
Unfortunately, Tutierov's goal was equalised by Poznan substitute Leo Bengtsson in the second half, with Sunderland paying the price for their lack of cutting edge in the final third by being forced to settle for a point in Poland.
Understandably, the 21-year-old forward was delighted to score his first senior Sunderland goal, which was unfortunately equalised by Poznan substitute Leo Bengtsson in the second half, with the young Ukrainian emotional in his reflections at full-time.
Timur Tutierov’s Emotional Reaction To Sunderland Goal Vs Lech Poznan
The Poznan draw was Tutierov’s third consecutive start for the Black Cats, with Wilson Isidor still sidelined after picking up a knock in the defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion and Brian Brobbey rested by Le Bris ahead of Sunday’s visit of Leeds United to the Stadium of Light.
Within the SCU Torreense win, defeat at Bournemouth, and stalemate against Poznan, Tutierov has worked tirelessly in the number nine role for Sunderland in spite of his lack of senior footballing experience.
Thankfully, he was rewarded for his efforts on Thursday evening to score his first goal for Le Bris’ side in a moment that gave the promising young talent “goosebumps”.
Following the draw at Poznan, Tutierov told Sunderland’s media: “It felt so good, I had goosebumps.
“At first, I didn’t think I had scored, but then I did and ran to the cameras.
“Yesterday, everyone said to me: imagine scoring a goal, because when the moment comes, you will put the ball in the net. That is what happened.”
Timur Tutierov Wants More Sunderland Goals This Season
With Le Bris indicating that fit-again Brobbey will lead the line for Sunderland against Leeds on Sunday, Tutierov may return to the bench at the weekend despite his Europa League goal, but the Ukrainian youth international remains determined to enjoy more memorable moments for the Black Cats this season.
Tutierov added: “I have to keep working. I want more from myself. I love this feeling and I want it again.”
Last season, Tutierov spent most of the season on loan at League One side Exeter City, netting three goals in 17 appearances, and has now found himself on the scoresheet for Sunderland in the Europa League.
Tutierov showed tenacity to begin the press for Sunderland which led to the opportunity and composure inside the Poznan box to head home past Mateusz Lis.
Clearly, the young forward is not at the same calibre or experience as Brobbey, meaning that the Black Cats will be far more potent in the final third when the Dutchman returns to Le Bris’ side, but Tutierov has performed admirably in his absence and has primed himself for an impressive developmental year at Sunderland with his Poznan header.