SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - AUGUST 18 Elixir Mayenda of Sunderland scores the fourth goal and celebrates during he Sky Bet Championship match between Sunderland and Sheffield Wednesday at Stadium of Light on August 18, 2024 in Sunderland, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images)
Fans of Sunderland weren’t prepared for such a significant outcome against Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday.
Sunderland approached this season—as well as this Sheffield Wednesday match—with cautious optimism.
Although many anticipated a difficult match, Sky Sports analyst David Prutton picked Sheffield Wednesday to win 3-2.
Prutton was mistaken, as Sunderland led 3-0 at the interval and emerged victorious 4-0 at the end.
Dennis Cirkin opened the score, followed by goals from Luke O’Nien and Eliezer Mayenda. Mayenda added a second goal after the half.
It’s a huge win for Regis Le Bris in his debut game at the Stadium of Light, building on Sunderland’s opening day success versus Cardiff City.
Out of the three clubs who have won their first two games in the Championship, Sunderland is presently ranked second. The Black Cats are the only team that has not yet given up a point.
Owners of Sunderland, Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and Kristjaan Speakman, who attended the game on Wednesday, will undoubtedly be happy with the victory—and maybe especially with one man’s performance.
Eliezer Mayenda received accolades after Sunderland’s Wednesday brace against Sheffield
Sunderland has historically struggled with their strike force.
The Black Cats haven’t had much depth at number nine since they made their way back to the Championship, and this summer it seemed as though they had absolutely none at all.
However, Mayenda made his debut for Sunderland with two goals, the first of which was a particularly well-taken strike.
Fans of Sunderland weren’t prepared for such a significant outcome against Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday.
Sunderland approached this season—as well as this Sheffield Wednesday match—with cautious optimism.
Although many anticipated a difficult match, Sky Sports analyst David Prutton picked Sheffield Wednesday to win 3-2.
Prutton was mistaken, as Sunderland led 3-0 at the interval and emerged victorious 4-0 at the end.
Dennis Cirkin opened the score, followed by goals from Luke O’Nien and Eliezer Mayenda. Mayenda added a second goal after the half.
It’s a huge win for Regis Le Bris in his debut game at the Stadium of Light, building on Sunderland’s opening day success versus Cardiff City.
Out of the three clubs who have won their first two games in the Championship, Sunderland is presently ranked second. The Black Cats are the only team that has not yet given up a point.
Owners of Sunderland, Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and Kristjaan Speakman, who attended the game on Wednesday, will undoubtedly be happy with the victory—and maybe especially with one man’s performance.
Eliezer Mayenda received accolades after Sunderland’s Wednesday brace against Sheffield
Sunderland has historically struggled with their strike force.
The Black Cats haven’t had much depth at number nine since they made their way back to the Championship, and this summer it seemed as though they had absolutely none at all.
However, Mayenda made his debut for Sunderland with two goals, the first of which was a particularly well-taken strike.
Speakman, who is still eager to acquire a new striker for Sunderland, will be relieved to see the Black Cats’ no. 9 scoring goals.
Additionally, Mayenda’s performance surprised Sky Sports commentator Patrick Rowe, who said during the game, “Mayenda has been excellent today.”
“In this match, his mobility, hold-up play, and finishing have all been above average. He’ll be frantic to complete the hat-trick.
How this may alter the Sunderland striker hunt
The Sunder striker department still lacks both depth and quality. But Mayenda’s objectives can shift significantly.
It might provide the 19-year-old with the self-assurance he needs to continue and lead Sunderland’s line, if only briefly.
Additionally, as the season progresses, Le Bris might feel more comfortable offering Mayenda additional playing time.
The striker hunt may still be a priority, but Speakman may suddenly see it as less urgent.
Speakman and the Sunderland officials might not feel too bad about it if they are unable to bring in the player they desire, Alexandre Mendy, or the appropriate one.
That is presuming Mayenda can maintain this level of play, which will be challenging but should now be anticipated as Sunderland advances.
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