For the first time in what feels like an eternity, Sunderland have a number of viable options at the point of their attack. Following a summer transfer window during which a whole host of targets came and went, the Black Cats now have three (and potentially four, once Ahmed Abdullahi is fit and ready) centre forwards capable of leading the line at senior level.
Wilson Isidor has, of course, been the most eye-catching of that trio so far, finding the back of the net on a number of occasions and scoring some genuine screamers in the process, while Eliezer Mayenda started the season well, and Aaron Connolly continues to find his feet on Wearside.
Speaking after last week’s 0-0 draw with Preston North End, Connolly said: “It’s been six weeks now, so I was never going to use the excuse that I had no pre-season - that’s not me. I didn’t have one last year at Hull and I was scoring goals. I know the goals will come. I’m not going to force it. It was disappointing, the way I played tonight, but it happens, it’s football. There’s 32 games left this season and I know I can contribute, I know I can score goals - that’s all that matters.”
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But how are Sunderland’s attacking contingent measuring up compared to the players who failed to seal moves to the Stadium of Light over the summer? We’ve gathered up all of the latest stats and ranked every Black Cats target - as well as Isidor, Mayenda, and Connolly - from most to least prolific. Check out the full gallery below...
5. Zan Vipotnik - 2 goals
A free signing for Swansea City after speculative links with the Black Cats, the Slovenian has scored just twice across 16 appearances in all competitions so far. | Getty Images
6. Sinclair Armstrong - 2 goals
Sunderland were said to be keen on Armstrong before he signed for Bristol City over the summer, but his return has been fairly underwhelming, with two goals in 15 outings across all competitions. | Getty Images
7. Lucas Stassin - 2 goals
Stassin himself revealed Sunderland's interest in him in an interview shortly after the window closed. Now a teammate of Black Cats loanee Pierre Ekwah at St. Etienne, he has yet to score in France, but has managed four assists in eight appearances, as well as two goals and three assists in five outings for former club KVC Westerlo before making the jump to Ligue 1. | Belga/AFP via Getty Images
8. Gift Orban - 2 goals
Hopes of signing Orban were dashed when he came off the bench to score two goals for Lyon on deadline day itself. He has drawn blanks in four further appearances since. | AFP via Getty Images