Sunderland very nearly came away from their mammoth lunchtime trip to AFC Bournemouth with all three points in tow.
Unfortunately for the Black Cats, Evanilson had other ideas in the second half, as he hammered home a header past a stranded Robin Roefs, to clinch a share of the points in the 1-1 draw.
It would have been a long journey back to Wearside, subsequently, as missed chances came back to bite Regis Le Bris‘ men.
Thankfully, though, they are way away from the relegation positions in the Premier League, as the likes of Granit Xhaka and Enzo Le Fee continue to shine this season, during Sunderland’s feel-good story after promotion.
How Xhaka & Le Fee have transformed Sunderland
Sunderland have experienced wobbles here and there in recent weeks to take some of the gloss away from their fantastic overall season, with only one Premier League victory falling into their lap during February.
Still, the Black Cats will continue to feel smug about their unbelievable summer business heading into the top-flight, with Xhaka worth every penny of the £13m splashed out on him to bring him back to England.
It’s no great shock that Sunderland slipping to three defeats in league action in February also fell around the same time that the Switzerland international was out of the first team mix through injury, with Xhaka often the heartbeat of the side this season.
Indeed, the classy midfielder has one goal and five assists to his name, while also winning five duels per league game, to show off a grit that is necessary for Sunderland to possess, in order to survive and excel.
Le Bris would have been thankful to have the experience of the 33-year-old back on his side for the trip to the Cherries, with Xhaka ending the even contest by winning a combined six tackles and duels to ensure that at least a draw was clinched.
Le Fee also continues to stick out as another dazzling signing that cost the Black Cats £19.3m to win permanently in the summer, as the Frenchman amassed two key passes, and won six ground duels himself, as a livewire down Sunderland’s left flank.
He couldn’t quite add to his goal and assist he picked up against Oxford United and Fulham, but he continues to stick out as a reliable first-teamer.
For as good as they have been, they are not the only sublime signings Sunderland have made in recent times.
Sunderland star is now worth more than Xhaka & Le Fee
Sunderland’s tricky tests on the road extend to Tuesday night, too, as Le Bris and Co aim to get back to winning ways in the Premier League when facing an intimidating Leeds United outfit at Elland Road.
Eliezer Mayenda will fancy his chances at popping up with another goal in West Yorkshire, as the 20-year-old attacker was in the right place at the right time to slot home a rebound against Andoni Iraola’s hosts.
The alert number 12 has had to be patient this season for senior opportunities, with this rare start against the Cherries coming about due to injury issues arising surrounding Brian Brobbey.
He will be champing at the bit to lead the line again versus the Whites, for sure, with the Spaniard sticking out as a gem of a signing despite only managing 44 minutes of action per game.
While Sunderland now have a reputation for splashing the cash, as seen in both Xhaka and Le Fee joining for big fees, Mayenda once only cost Le Bris’ men a low £880k to bring in from his former French employers in FC Sochaux.
He would become a key part of Le Bris’ camp last season, as promotion was unbelievably won, with a whirlwind eight goals and five assists coming his way from a limited 22 league starts.
|
Mayenda’s Sunderland career |
|
|---|---|
|
Stat |
Mayenda |
|
Games played |
67 |
|
Goals scored |
12 |
|
Assists |
6 |
|
Value when joining |
£880k |
|
Value now |
£21.5m |
|
Increase in value |
£21,412,000 |
The limelight hasn’t always come his way this campaign, either, but with a further two strikes next to his name, his valuation – as per Football Transfers – has skyrocketed all the way up to a standout £21.5m.
This means he has a higher valuation, now, than both Xhaka and Le Fee, who are only worth £14m and £19m, in contrast, despite their vital roles in the Frenchman’s system.
Frighteningly, at just 20, Mayenda is arguably only getting started, with Sunderland’s reputation for getting the very best out of young stars, arguably standing him in very good stead to push beyond that boosted value.
Scott Minto praises “old-school” Sunderland star after “superb” Bournemouth display
The Black Cats battled hard for a draw at the Vitality.