Sunderland claimed an impressive 1-0 win against Burnley on Saturday.
Sunderland have maintained their perfect start to the 2024/25 Championship season.
So far this campaign, the Black Cats have beaten Cardiff City, Sheffield Wednesday, and now Burnley under new boss Regis Le Bris.
Following the 4-0 demolition of Sheffield Wednesday, Sunderland faced a true test of their mettle at the Stadium of Light, with Burnley and Sunderland in 1st and 2nd respectively going into this weekend.
But the Black Cats got through the Burnley test. Romaine Mundle scored the only goal of the game and despite going down to 10 men late on, with Dan Neil sent off, Le Bris’ side held on for an impressive three points.
Sunderland now sit in 1st place of the Championship table, with Watford in 2nd but behind on goal difference.
All eyes on Romaine Mundle for Sunderland vs Burnley
As soon as the teams were released at 2pm, there was a lot of talk about Mundle.
Many expected him to start in place of Jack Clarke ahead of his move to Ipswich Town.
Mundle has impressed in pre-season but Clarke has started ahead of him so far.
In Clarke’s wake though, Mundle managed to grab himself a goal, putting in an all round impressive performance too.
One Sunderland fan posted on X with regards to Clarke’s exit: “I think we’ll be fine, the Mundle era begins!”
Another added: “Clarke’s replacement scoring a Clarke-esque goal. Funny old game.”
There was other comments on the way Mundle took his goal too, with one fan adding: “Mundle stepping up! Great Clarke-esque finish too.”
Generally, Sunderland fans were somewhat relived to see Mundle get a goal in the first game since Clarke’s exit, with one fan summing up how many feel: “Mundle is impressive so far, no need to worry about Clarke.”
Romaine Mundle proved he can eventually fill Jack Clarke void at Sunderland
There was a lot to like about Mundle’s performance vs Burnley.
On the ball and in the way he took his goal, he’s a very Clarke-like player; he’s got the pace and the close control, and he proved against Burnley that he can be clinical too.
But fans must remember that it took Clarke long time to become the player he is.
For Mundle, he has big boots to fill. It’s going to take him time to give Sunderland the same output that Clarke did, but he looks to be on his way to doing so.
Now for Le Bris, it’s about keeping Mundle on track and grounded, and keeping the team moving forward as a whole.
For Le Bris, perhaps the most promising thing for his side was that they showed they can beat big-hitters without Clarke in the side.
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