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...
9. Eliezer Mayenda - 2 goals
An eye-catching start to the season was curtailed somewhat by injury, but Mayenda still has two goals and two assists to his name so far. | Getty Images
10. Will Lankshear - 1 goal
The Tottenham youngster has made a couple of appearances in the Europa League so far this season, and netted in last week's 3-2 defeat to Galatasaray. | Getty Images
11. Ike Ugbo - 1 goal
Ugbo ended up rejoining Sheffield Wednesday following a successful loan spell with the Owls last season, but has endured a fairly slow start upon his return to Hillsborough. Just one goal and one assist in 17 appearances across all competitions, with both coming in the EFL Cup. At the time of writing, he is nought for 14 in the Championship. Photo: Steve Ellis
12. David Datro Fofana - 1 goal
Fofana saw a couple of prospective loan deals unravel before leaving Chelsea for Turkish outfit Goztepe, where he has dipped in output following an impressive start. One goal in six outings thus far, but none in his last four appearances. | Getty Images