James Copley: 8 reasons I’m staying positive about Sunderland ahead of Leeds United and Coventry City

Sunderland left Poland with a point when they could have taken three, but I came away from the 1-1 draw with Lech Poznań feeling more encouraged than frustrated.

There were problems. Sunderland were too open, Robin Roefs had to make important saves, and better finishing could have settled the game before the hosts equalised. The balance between attacking ambition and defensive control still needs work.

But after Bournemouth, there was a response. Sunderland played with greater purpose, their wide players offered a threat, and several individuals gave Régis Le Bris reasons for encouragement ahead of Leeds United and Coventry City. Their poor Premier League form inevitably takes some of the shine off seven points from three European games. Even so, there were enough positives in Poland to leave me believing they can improve their domestic position.

1. The response was important

After the performance at Bournemouth and Nordi Mukiele’s comments about standards and arrogance, Sunderland needed to show more urgency and conviction. For me, they did. They started aggressively, pressed with intent and looked determined to make things happen.

The performance was imperfect, but I saw players working for their supporters, their manager and each other. That does not solve everything. It does, however, offer reassurance that this group remains committed to finding a way through a difficult period.

2. The wingers looked dangerous again

Nilson Angulo and Malick Fofana offered considerably more threat. They were direct, got towards the byline and looked willing to take responsibility for creating chances. Angulo’s contribution to the opening goal summed it up: pressure, a tackle and a cross for Timur Tutierov.

He helped create the opportunity through his own work, giving Sunderland an immediate reward for their approach. Poznań were open, and Premier League opponents will present different problems. But Sunderland’s wide players needed a performance like this. It showed what they can offer when they play with conviction and receive support.

3. The full-backs helped make it happen

Dayann Methalie continues to look more comfortable, while Mukiele showed why he is such a good option at right-back. Their involvement helped Sunderland’s wingers, giving them support and making it harder for defenders to concentrate on one player.

There was more movement around the ball and a greater willingness to get forward. Sunderland still need to protect themselves better when attacks break down. But the combinations out wide were a step forward and something Le Bris can build on.

4. Diarra gives Sunderland something different

Having Habib Diarra back and starting was another positive. He brings power, movement and the ability to carry the ball, alongside the intelligence to operate in different positions. Whether used as a number eight, further forward or from a wide position, he gives Le Bris options.

Sunderland have needed more dynamism in their attacking play, and Diarra can help provide it. He will need time to regain his rhythm after injury. Simply having him available again, though, makes the squad stronger.

5. Roefs looks back to his best

Across Bournemouth and Poznań, Roefs has looked superb. His saves in Poland were crucial, just as they had been in preventing a heavier defeat on the south coast.

Ideally, Sunderland would give him less to do. Repeatedly needing excellent goalkeeping is a concern in itself, and his performance should not obscure the chances conceded. But having a goalkeeper capable of making those saves matters. Roefs looked sharp and decisive, providing reassurance while Sunderland try to recover their defensive consistency.

6. Ahoka and Tutierov offer genuine encouragement

Jules Ahoka continues to impress me. Sunderland look to have a real player on their hands, and his contribution was another reason to feel positive about the options developing within this squad. Tutierov’s first senior goal was a cracking story too.

After having one ruled out against Torreense and working through a difficult afternoon at Bournemouth, he deserved that moment. Scoring after 78 seconds should give him confidence. It was also another success for Sunderland’s academy and a reminder that opportunities for young players can bring rewards, even during a challenging run.

7. There should be fresher legs and more options

Trai Hume, Enzo Le Fée and Noah Sadiki started on the bench and played only the closing stages. That should help ahead of Leeds, particularly for Sadiki, who has carried a substantial workload. There is also hope that Wilson Isidor and Brian Brobbey will return soon, while Thomas Meunier’s injury has not been thought particularly serious.

Their availability still needs confirming, but Sunderland have players working towards a return. There were no obvious fresh injury concerns during the game either. After recent selection difficulties, that was welcome.

8. Seven points from three deserves recognition

Two wins and a draw represent a strong start in Europe. Sunderland remain unbeaten, with two consecutive home fixtures to come in the competition. We should allow ourselves to appreciate that while recognising the urgency of their league position. Both things can be true: Europe has offered plenty to enjoy, and Sunderland need Premier League points. Poland provided signs of improvement. The challenge now is to carry that attacking intent into Leeds, tighten up defensively and turn an encouraging performance into a result.

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