Sunderland picked up a crucial point on the road against Bournemouth on Saturday lunchtime, thanks to a 1-1 draw.
The Black Cats put themselves within two points of Andoni Iraola’s team to keep them well within the fight for European football with ten games to go this term.
It was very much a game where the home side were dominant. Regis Le Bris’ men were happy to concede the majority of possession, hoping to really make their 38% possession count. To an extent, they did that well, outperforming the Cherries side on expected goals, racking up a total of 1.42xG.
It was Sunderland who took the lead, thanks to striker Eliza Mayenda. It was the simplest of finishes for the 20-year-old, who tapped in from a matter of yards.
The opportunity came after Habib Diarra’s vicious effort forced a save out of Djordje Petrovic, which fell to the feet of Mayenda for 1-0.
The North East side couldn’t hold onto their lead, though. Just past the hour mark, Marcus Tavernier delivered a wicked cross from the left, which Evanilson rose highest to get on the end of.
There was a discussion as to whether the ball came off the Brazilian's arm, but it was deemed a legal goal.
Sunderland could not find a winner despite having a late goal ruled out for offside, with the point ending their three-game losing run. The Black Cats did have some standout players on the day.
Sunderland’s best players vs. Bournemouth
All season, people have been waxing lyrical about Granit Xhaka, and for good reason. Today, making his first start since January, the Swiss midfielder was the driving force of the Sunderland midfield once again.
Xhaka
Always looking to get on the ball, the experienced 33-year-old was operating at the heart of the midfield, looking to progress the ball forward directly and split open the Cherries' defence.
He did that well, with nine passes into the final third. It was certainly a huge benefit to have him back.
Another standout man for Le Bris’ side was Enzo Le Fee. The Frenchman operated just to the left of Xhaka out wide, with the pair linking up well. They combined seven times for passes between them, the third most for Sunderland players.
Le Fee
It was a good afternoon’s work on the South Coast for the Black Cats number 28 outside of that. He was a threat in the final third, creating two chances and completing 100% of his dribbles. He certainly looked full of confidence and linked up well with his captain.
However, there was one of their teammates who did struggle at the Vitality Stadium.
Sunderland’s worst player vs. Bournemouth
It was certainly a tough day at the office for 20-year-old winger Chemsdine Talbi. He had a tough time of things going up against the impressive Adrien Truffert, which showed in what was a frustrating afternoon’s work.
Talbi
It was certainly not for lack of trying, but the young Moroccan forward could not get into the game. He had 32 touches of the ball but lost it 16 times, once every other touch.
He failed to complete a dribble and did not register a key pass, having won just one from seven duels.
Talbi stats vs. Bourmeouth
Stat
Touches
Passes completed
Number of times ball lost
Duels won
Dribbles completed
Progressive carries
Key passes
It might not be a surprise, then, that the younger was substituted by his manager after 70 minutes. He certainly worked hard, but nothing came off for him, with Le Bris looking to Bertrand Traore for inspiration to find an equaliser.
That leaves the Black Cats boss in an interesting position. Though it was surely not a goal at the start of the season, European qualification is still a possibility, so after a poor performance from Talbi, it would be no surprise to see him drop out of the team to keep things fresh.
talbi-sunderland-premier-league
There are a few options at his disposal, too. One of them, Traore, made a 20-minute cameo on Saturday lunchtime. Alternatively, Wilson Isidor or Chris Rigg could come into the fold, which might see a change of system from the Sunderland gaffer.
Either way, it would be no surprise to see the winger rotated out of the side in Sunderland’s next game, a tough trip away to Leeds United.
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