For those Sunderland fans making the 700-mile round trip from Wearside, some beginning their journey at midnight, the welcome sight of Granit Xhaka making a first start since 17 January. Could the captain’s return inspire Sunderland out of a slump that began in mid-December? On the south coast, a losing run came to its end as Régis Le Bris’s team got the point a dogged performance deserved.
Patrolling in front of defence, Xhaka maintained constant dialogue with his colleagues, encouraging, directing into position, veering into the territory of player-manager. When Eliezer Mayenda scored the Sunderland goal, Xhaka clenched his fists in triumph, celebrating with Le Bris before heading to the away fans. For Bournemouth, it was a wholly preventable goal, Habib Diarra had been shown inside from Dan Ballard’s pass, and their goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic could only direct the ball into Mayenda’s path.
Continue reading…For those Sunderland fans making the 700-mile round trip from Wearside, some beginning their journey at midnight, the welcome sight of Granit Xhaka making a first start since 17 January. Could the captain’s return inspire Sunderland out of a slump that began in mid-December? On the south coast, a losing run came to its end as Régis Le Bris’s team got the point a dogged performance deserved.Patrolling in front of defence, Xhaka maintained constant dialogue with his colleagues, encouraging, directing into position, veering into the territory of player-manager. When Eliezer Mayenda scored the Sunderland goal, Xhaka clenched his fists in triumph, celebrating with Le Bris before heading to the away fans. For Bournemouth, it was a wholly preventable goal, Habib Diarra had been shown inside from Dan Ballard’s pass, and their goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic could only direct the ball into Mayenda’s path. Continue reading…
