Isidor played a key role in Sunderland’s promotion success last season, scoring 12 Championship goals as the [Black Cats](http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/sunderland) returned to the top-flight via the play-offs, but found himself facing increasingly strong competition from Eliezer Mayenda in the final few months of the campaign.
With Isidor having missed a chunk of pre-season because of an injury issue, Mayenda got the nod to start Saturday’s opening game of the new campaign against West Ham.
Isidor freely admits he was disappointed not to feature in Regis Le Bris’ starting side, with his frustration mounting when the excitement levels cranked up at the Stadium of Light in the final few minutes before kick-off.
However, after Mayenda opened the scoring with a second-half header, Isidor got his opportunity to make an impact when he was introduced as a 76th-minute replacement for his fellow forward, and the 24-year-old certainly made the most of his chance, firing home the stoppage-time strike that confirmed Sunderland’s win.
“I was a bit frustrated to be on the bench,” said Isidor. “But you know, as I say, I push the team. I know my role in the dressing room, and yeah, I’m really happy.
“I was a bit annoyed when I saw all that amazing atmosphere to not start. But it's all right. I give the joy to the fans today, the team also gives the joy, so we're really happy about it.
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“And I hope it will stay like this all the season and they're \[the supporters\] going to push us in all the games. We really need them, and to show to them that without them, it’s difficult.”
Isidor and Mayenda shared the attacking load throughout last season, and the pair have developed a close relationship, both on and off the field.
With Marc Guiu set to add another attacking option following his loan move from Chelsea, Regis Le Bris feels he has a forward line that ticks every box, and Isidor is confident Sunderland boast more than enough firepower to succeed this season.
“Me and Eli complement each other really well,” he said. “We are really good friends. I take him as my small brother. I'm not here to give him presents, but I try to help him every day to grow as a player, and we help each other every day. We’re really happy about it, then the coach is here to make a decision.
“There is also Marc, who just arrived, who is a really good guy, and I think he's a really good player. We didn't see him in a lot of training since he arrived, but I think he's a really good player, so I cannot wait to see him play.”