If each of Sunderland’s league games thus far has featured a slightly different dynamic, with the Lads regularly showcasing their capacity to adapt, adjust and emerge with something to show for their efforts,
Saturday’s visit of Wolves was very much a game to file under “One we simply have to find a way to win — by hook or by crook”.
The opening-day stroll in the sunshine against West Ham was memorable; the last-gasp victory over Brentford thrilling, and draws against Villa and Crystal Palace — as well as a superb away victory over Nottingham Forest — demonstrated that this team is blessed with both skill and steel, will always be hard to beat, and is learning quickly about the ever-changing dynamics of life in the top flight.
However, it’s fair to say that this test against a side who look bound for a season-long relegation battle was something different once again, but as the club concluded its annual Founders’ Week by paying tribute to greats of years gone by, it was our new generation who took centre stage.
The international break had bisected the fallout from a disappointing loss at Old Trafford and although defeat to Manchester United was by no means unexpected, the mark of any side with aspirations of survival — or even greater — is to ensure that any blips don’t become crises; that defeats can be dealt with rationally, analysed calmly and rectified next time out, and that was the case against the West Midlanders as Régis Le Bris’ men marked their return to home turf with a win that, whilst not the most attractive, was nonetheless crucial.
Once again, the bedrock of this victory came in the shape of our defensive warriors, Omar Alderete, Dan Ballard and Nordi Mukiele, who slotted in with Arthur Masuaku omitted.
Mukiele got the goal that set us on our way, sliding the ball under Sam Johnstone (the first goal scored by the Lads at my end of the stadium since Romaine Mundle’s effort against Preston — cheers, Nordi!) after some good play down the left, whereas Ballard and Alderete — already safely described as a “bargain signing” — simply wouldn’t be moved in their goal to keep Wolves out and help Robin Roefs to another clean sheet.
The opener came after VAR had denied Wilson Isidor, with the striker caught offside just before he slammed the ball past Johnstone, but Mukiele’s intervention ensured that we got exactly what we needed.
Attacking-wise, it was a mixed bag for Sunderland on Saturday — not helped, it must be said, by some periods of sloppy passing and poor decision-making that occasionally allowed Wolves to at least get a foot on the ball and try to force openings.
Perhaps it was the result of some international break-induced rust, a little bit of tension or some underlying indecision after taking the lead, but we can certainly pass the ball with greater efficiency as well as playing with more purpose, and Le Bris will doubtless be keen to ensure that this remains the blueprint, particularly at home.
On the wing, there was no lack of effort from Bertrand Traore but it was no coincidence that the introduction of Chemsdine Talbi injected some real spark into our forward line, and whilst this wasn’t Chris Rigg’s finest hour in a red and white shirt, the only way he’s going to learn about the realities of Premier League football is to actually play it, and his boundless energy and willingness to track back wasn’t the sign of a player who was gradually losing heart as the game went on.
As the second half wore on, 1-0 felt like a perilous scoreline as we sought to put the game beyond the visitors’ reach and Wolves favoured tactic of lofting the ball into the home box endured, but any nerves were finally eased when a Sunderland breakaway led to a scrappy own goal, Ladislav Krejci the unfortunate culprit on this occasion as any hopes of a Wolves fightback were extinguished.
Overall, a deeply satisfying afternoon’s work for Sunderland. The kind of win that breeds confidence, generates momentum, and ensures we continue to carve out a reputation as team that can more than hold its own at this level.
The pundits may not fully respect us and will doubtless continue to cite certain metrics as proof that we’re riding our luck, but you know what? Let them. They can have their column inches and we’ll continue to show we belong at this level. That seems like a fair tradeoff to me, and there’ll come a time where our talent as a team simply can’t be denied.
Saturday 18 October 2025
Premier League
Stadium of Light
Attendance:
Sunderland: 2 (Mukiele 16’, Krejci (OG) 90’)
Wolves: 0
Sunderland: Roefs, Hume, Ballard; Alderete, Mukiele, Sadiki (Neil 95’); Xhaka, Rigg (Geertruida 76’), Le Fée; Traore (Talbi 63’), Isidor (Mayenda 76’)
Subs Not Used: Patterson, O’Nien, Masuaku, Brobbey, Adingra
Wolves: Johnstone, Doherty (Hoever 67’), S.Bueno; Krejci, H.Bueno, Munetsi; André, João Gomes (Fer López 76’), Arias (Tchatchoua 77’); Strand Larsen, Rodrigo Gomes (Arokodere 76’)
Subs Not Used: Sá, Mosquera, Agbadou, Toti Gomes, Møller Wolfe
