Sunderland’s 2-0 victory over Oxford United on Saturday afternoon featured several notable performances.
Sunderland now leads the Championship table by five points, with Burnley in second place after a draw with QPR on Saturday afternoon. Regis Le Bris’ side finishes the nine-point week with a near-perfect performance against Oxford United, which included two great goals from Jobe Bellingham and Wilson Isidor. The Stadium of Light crowd enjoyed every minute of the game, as will Le Bris, whose team continues to improve in the Championship this season.
Dan Neil excelled for Sunderland, setting up Isidor’s goal; Neil now has an assist in each of his previous three outings. Meanwhile, Sunderland never looked bothered at the back, with Simon Moore taking over for the injured Anthony Patterson and doing whatever was required. Patrick Roberts delivered another good effort upon his return to the XI.
Patrick Roberts impresses for Sunderland versus Oxford United. In Sunderland’s 2-1 victory over Luton Town in midweek, Le Bris dropped Roberts to the bench, putting Chris Rigg out wide and playing Alan Browne in the centre. The change works. However, speaking ahead of Oxford United, Le Bris stated that he was unsure whether Roberts will return to the Sunderland XI. But Le Bris brought Roberts back in, and he sparkled, particularly in the first 45 minutes. He was the Black Cats’ livewire early on, with his maze-like runs causing Oxford all sorts of trouble.
At halftime, analyst and former Sunderland player Gary Bennett told BBC Sport Tyne & Wear that Roberts produced ‘havoc and panic for the Oxford defenders’. Bennett continued, “When he’s in that form, it’s a joy to watch him. “He’s fantastic at linking up. I guess I’d like to see him pull the trigger more because once he’s done one, two, and three, he wants to do it again. “Pull the trigger!”
Patrick Roberts stats vs Oxford United Roberts had two shots against Oxford United, one of which was on target, and he finished with an xG of 0.23 (third highest of everyone). He also completed the most dribbles on the pitch (four out of five), had 74 touches of the ball, and completed 44 passes (sixth among Sunderland players).
Roberts also made two vital passes (second only to Trai Hume’s three), and he attempted and won more ground duels than any other Sunderland player (seven out of ten). However, as Bennett points out, Roberts needs to improve his goal-scoring record, as he has only one in 12 Championship games this season.
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