‘A little crazy’ – Dayann Methalie reveals biggest lesson from Sunderland baptism at Manchester City
Dayann Methalie has reflected on his first Premier League start for Sunderland after being handed a difficult assignment against Manchester City at the Etihad
Dayann Methalie has admitted his first Premier League start for Sunderland felt “a little crazy” after being thrown into one of the toughest assignments in English football at Manchester City.
The 20-year-old summer signing from Toulouse was handed his first league start at the Etihad Stadium as Régis Le Bris’ side went toe-to-toe with City in a dramatic 5-3 defeat.
The occasion represented another significant step in a rapid adaptation to life on Wearside for Methalie. The France U21 international arrived having played relatively little football during the summer because of his transfer, making his selection against one of the Premier League’s strongest sides particularly significant. “I’m very happy to start in the Premier League, the best league in the world,” Methalie said. “Honestly, I feel like it’s a little crazy, because I didn’t play a lot in the summer during my transfer. So yes, I’m very happy to be here.”
Methalie operated at left-back as Sunderland caused City major problems going forward, scoring three times at the Etihad despite eventually leaving empty-handed. The young defender believes the contest offered Sunderland plenty of encouragement, even if the result also underlined how costly mistakes can be against elite opposition.
“I think we did a good game for us because we scored frequently against a very good team,” he said. “We made some mistakes and did some good things, and I think it’s a good game to lay the foundations for the rest of the season. I think we have to improve on this, and it’s a good point for the next game.”
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The biggest lesson came from the speed and intensity of facing City’s attacking players, with the defender hinting that maintaining concentration from the opening whistle until the final moments will be crucial as he continues adjusting to Premier League football.
“The best thing for me, I think, is that I have to stay concentrated at the beginning and at the end of the game,” he explained. “When you play against this team, it’s difficult. They play quickly, so we have to be smart. I’m very happy to be here; I will keep working every day to become a better player.”