Match Day Thread Sunderland AFC v Aston Villa - Sunday 21st September 2025 - KO 14:00

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Having slept on yesterday I have to say it was a brilliant performance. The way we played second half with 10 was fantastic to see. These new lads seem to have taken to us in no time. I love seeing Nordi's reactions to stuff. Alderette is a bully in a good way and quality with it. Xhaka is the main man.

I have to say that was Isidors best game imo. I have been critical of him not putting his body on the line. He did that yesterday and git his rewards with his goal.

Ballard coming on was almost like 2 players. His defensive work is quality but his threat in their box was class. They were terrified of him and Mings was always getting 2 men to mark him.

Thought Rigg showed his premier league quality. Let him play I say, looked the part. Also proud as punch to see Dan get on the pitch in the prem. He dererved that.

Message for Reggie - top coaching fella. Setup second half was top class. Great subs too.
 
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Riever said:
Just catching up on the game as I've had one of the worst weekends of my life having lost my 15 year old labrador that I've had since he was a puppy on Saturday morning so I really didn't engage at all with the game until now.

I've watched it back now and like many others have mentioned the passion and desire showed was immense but not only that the skill levels of these lads is amazing. You have to pinch yourself sometimes that these lads are wearing red and white.

I'm not sure it has been mentioned, or if it has I don't think it's been mentioned enough, but I don't think you'll see many better assists this season than that cushioned header by Granit. The vision and execution was world class in my opinion - nice finish by Wilson but the ball in was undefendable.
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So sorry your loss mate.

I’m a dog person and it’s every bit as losing a human. Anyone who says otherwise has no idea.
 
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Riever said:
Just catching up on the game as I've had one of the worst weekends of my life having lost my 15 year old labrador that I've had since he was a puppy on Saturday morning so I really didn't engage at all with the game until now.

I've watched it back now and like many others have mentioned the passion and desire showed was immense but not only that the skill levels of these lads is amazing. You have to pinch yourself sometimes that these lads are wearing red and white.

I'm not sure it has been mentioned, or if it has I don't think it's been mentioned enough, but I don't think you'll see many better assists this season than that cushioned header by Granit. The vision and execution was world class in my opinion - nice finish by Wilson but the ball in was undefendable.
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Ah mate I’m so sorry to hear that. 15 is a cracking age for a Labrador mind. Thoughts are with you fella. Agree with @Nads . Every bit as bad as losing a human! We’ve lost one, have 3 left (but they’re all old now). So not looking forward to “that” time
 
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WorkyTicketFTM said:
Worth noting there’s been a lot of talk around AFCON - wasn’t many africans in the team today. Sadiki will be the obvious miss and Talbi in my opinion was probably the worst player on the pitch for us(minus Reinaldo) I think we’d be just fine coping without him for a few games.

FWIW I do think Talbi shows glimpses but he’s far too soft and is really lacking confidence, he goes back more than he goes forward. No doubt he will grow into the season though.
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Thought he had a good game myself.
 
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After Sunday I’d love to see us line up with Mukiele, Ballard & Alderete at the back
Hume and Talbi as wing backs
Granit, Sadiki and Elf in the middle with Wilson and another up top. Rigg or even Mayenda.

that back 3 are gonna cause a lot of bother in the oppo box

roll on Forest.
 
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The Redbaron said:
that's without the time in the second half when Martinez caught the ball had to release it after the 8 second rule, threw it up in the air and caught it again???? Foul move or amerringue?
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I always thought that was an indirect free kick, the ball was intentionally played before he caught it.
 
Nads said:
Really surprised Talbi getting some shade.

Aye not a lot has come off for him yet, but we 5 games in, he always shows for the ball, he’s a willing runner and he tries to get at his man.

His defensive output is superb as well, he’s doesn’t stop. He will develop into a top player for us.
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I labelled him motm on Sunday mind. Second half he was our main carrier forward. Think he’s going to be a massive player for us. Not sure why anyone would give him stick! Third goal v West Ham. 2-0 up at home going into stoppage time, most young players get the ball and think “row a, run the clock down” but he didn’t. He saw what was in front of him and played the ball to Wilson.

Saturday I lost count of how many times he took on the right back and beat him. How much he got forward with the ball. His work rate is unbelievable and he’s very young.
 
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Riever said:
Just catching up on the game as I've had one of the worst weekends of my life having lost my 15 year old labrador that I've had since he was a puppy on Saturday morning so I really didn't engage at all with the game until now.

I've watched it back now and like many others have mentioned the passion and desire showed was immense but not only that the skill levels of these lads is amazing. You have to pinch yourself sometimes that these lads are wearing red and white.

I'm not sure it has been mentioned, or if it has I don't think it's been mentioned enough, but I don't think you'll see many better assists this season than that cushioned header by Granit. The vision and execution was world class in my opinion - nice finish by Wilson but the ball in was undefendable.
Click to expand...
Great controlled header, zhaka has 2 assists already and both for Wilson
 
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marcusblackcat said:
I labelled him motm on Sunday mind. Second half he was our main carrier forward. Think he’s going to be a massive player for us. Not sure why anyone would give him stick! Third goal v West Ham. 2-0 up at home going into stoppage time, most young players get the ball and think “row a, run the clock down” but he didn’t. He saw what was in front of him and played the ball to Wilson.

Saturday I lost count of how many times he took on the right back and beat him. How much he got forward with the ball. His work rate is unbelievable and he’s very young.
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Agree Marcus, I thought he was excellent <ok>
 
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Watching the replay of Wilsons goal the passion of xhaka celebrating the goal is brilliant. The teams hes played for and achieved in his career to come to a newly promoted relegation 'fodder' team is unreal. He's everything we needed.

Also noticed how much of an 'arsehole' he is against opposition. Little niggly tackles/fouls that stops them playing and frustrates them, the dirty side of football, is something we have missed at times.

Everyone of them deserves the praise they are getting so far this season and I dont think you could tell we were down to 10 men for nearly an hour yesterday.
 
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FellTop said:
Having slept on yesterday I have to say it was a brilliant performance. The way we played second half with 10 was fantastic to see. These new lads seem to have taken to us in no time. I love seeing Nordi's reactions to stuff. Alderette is a bully in a good way and quality with it. Xhaka is the main man.

I have to say that was Isidors best game imo. I have been critical of him not putting his body on the line. He did that yesterday and git his rewards with his goal.

Ballard coming on was almost like 2 players. His defensive work is quality but his threat in their box was class. They were terrified of him and Mings was always getting 2 men to mark him.

Thought Rigg showed his premier league quality. Let him play I say, looked the part. Also proud as punch to see Dan get on the pitch in the prem. He dererved that.

Message for Reggie - top coaching fella. Setup second half was top class. Great subs too.
Click to expand...
Nordi was immense in play but the way he reacted to other players actions was inspiring (notably when Sadiki won a corner second half and he made a bee line to him).
Omar has developed as one of my favourites. So strong in the air and tackle, calm in and out of possession and a good passer of the ball.
Also, there was one moment in the second half when he was passed the ball in the left hand corner in a tight position. He nut-megged the first player but he saw the ball running towards Elliott. The look of determination on his face and the way he started to go to the ball must have put the shirts up Elliott, who quickly decided to let him have it.:1980_boogie_down:
 
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CR17 said:
Our goal came from him going at his man on the left side, doing him, cutting inside and shooting which led to the block for xhaka to header back over
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Aye.. but one blocked shot doesn’t necessarily mean he had a good game mate. It was probably an improvement because he’s been poor the last few games but still like a passenger for the first 60 or so minutes. Was better when we went behind, pressing from the front but if the highlight of his game was a blocked shot I’d argue that’s not really enough to say he had a good game.

Not dwelling on it though it was a solid team performance and every man dug deep when it mattered, after being let down by Reinaldo. Had we had eleven on the pitch we would’ve won that game
 
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