Sunderland 1-1 Everton: James Copley reacts to VAR controversy
Sunderland winger Bertrand Traoré says the Black Cats “deserved more” from their draw with Everton
Bertrand Traoré believes Sunderland deserved more than a point from their 1–1 draw with Everton at the Stadium of Light on Monday night.
The winger, who started against the Toffees in the Premier League clash, felt the Black Cats were made to pay for a slow opening period but praised the team’s resilience and character to respond.
“No, of course not. I think we deserve more tonight,” Traoré said after the game when asked if the result was fair. “At the end we have to take the point, but I think we could have taken all three points if we started the game better. I think it’s because of a little bit of a sloppy start that we ended up with a draw tonight.”
Traoré dismissed suggestions that Sunderland’s nervous start reflected any lack of composure, insisting the side has enough experience and maturity to learn quickly. “We have experienced players in the team. Of course, we know we should have started better this game,” he continued.
“We still have room to improve. This is part of it. We know now that even against every team in the Premier League, we have to be sharp and ready from the first to the 95th minute. Tonight we have to learn from this game and then bring it to the next.”
The Burkina Faso international, who joined Sunderland in the summer, says he is feeling stronger with every game and continuing to adapt to Régis Le Bris’ system. “I feel much better game by game, much fitter,” he said. “I think I’m growing, improving and learning. There is still room to learn as a player, especially with this manager and the players in the team. I think I’m growing with my game, and I hope I can still improve and bring more to the team.”
Traoré also spoke highly of Le Bris’ influence since his arrival, praising the French head coach for his tactical vision and the trust he has placed in him. “It’s nice to hear from the manager. He’s a top manager and he’s bringing something different that I usually see,” the winger added. “We’re trying to work together the way he wants us to play, especially the way he wants me to play as a winger. I’m enjoying it, adapting and trying to give my best for the team.”
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Having previously played in the Premier League with Chelsea and Aston Villa, Traoré said he is relishing the challenge of being back in English football and believes the competition is stronger than ever. “Premier League is still the same, even better,” he said. “But, yeah, different team, different story, and different players around, different manager and staff. But it’s still the same level of demand. Premier League is the best league in the world, of course, so I’m happy to be back again.”
Traoré will hope to keep his place in the starting XI when Sunderland host league leaders Arsenal at the Stadium of Light this weekend. The Black Cats’ draw with Everton meant the club sits fourth in the Premier League with 18 points from their opening 10 games.
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