James Copley: I saw something different in Sunderland against Leeds – but Coventry could change everything
Sunderland offered encouragement against Leeds United, but their next Premier League test will reveal more about whether a recovery is taking shape
I left the Stadium of Light slightly more encouraged than I had arrived, but Sunderland still had five points from eight games and remained bottom of the Premier League.
That was the difficulty in assessing a goalless draw against Leeds United, which offered improvement without much relief. Sunderland competed, kept a clean sheet and created opportunities to win while conceding chances of their own. They also finished another afternoon needing their next league result to be better.
I saw enough to feel more positive about the performance. I did not see enough to declare that Sunderland had turned a corner. The distinction is important, particularly with Coventry City next in the league.
A performance that looked more familiar
For periods of the first half, this felt more like the Sunderland of last season. There was aggression, a willingness to press and a determination to make Leeds work for their openings. Brian Brobbey had opportunities, with James Trafford doing his job well. Sunderland could have won, but the figures reflected a relatively even contest: 15 shots to Leeds’ 11, four on target apiece and possession almost evenly divided.
Sunderland’s expected goals total was 0.91 against Leeds’ 0.57. That suggested a modest attacking advantage rather than a game in which the hosts created enough to make victory feel inevitable. The defensive improvement was more convincing. After four consecutive league defeats, Sunderland looked capable of competing without repeatedly leaving themselves exposed.
Luke O’Nien had uncomfortable moments during a largely excellent display, although the wind deserves consideration. Long balls changed pace and direction in the air. From the stands, it was easy to underestimate how difficult those deliveries were to judge. He still finished with a strong showing.
Sunderland then lost Nordi Mukiele after the break but maintained their organisation, with Omar Alderete coming on. There was disruption again, yet the team found a way to cope with it. The challenge is to repeat that competitiveness, make better use of the chances that arrive and ensure this afternoon becomes something Sunderland can build upon.
Angulo rewards patience
Nilson Angulo was fantastic down the left, particularly after the interval. He forced two good saves from Trafford, drew fouls and looked increasingly willing to take responsibility. His lovely backheel up the line in the first half was another encouraging moment. Those touches do not settle games, but they can show a player beginning to trust himself.
With Malick Fofana and Chemsdine Talbi on the bench, changing the wide players can look an obvious response when results are poor. There is always somebody else supporters would like to see given an opportunity. Sometimes, though, football is about confidence and repetition. A run in the team gives a winger time to understand the movements around him, establish combinations and work through difficult afternoons without immediately losing his place.
Angulo looked like someone benefiting from that continuity. He needs consistency over the coming games and, ultimately, more goals and assists. This was a strong argument for giving him the chance to build. It also showed why selection debates are rarely straightforward. Wanting Talbi involved was understandable, and the reception when he came on demonstrated his backing. Angulo nevertheless justified his own opportunity.
Bournemouth show how quickly moods change
For an example of how quickly things can shift, Sunderland need only look at the team they faced last weekend. Bournemouth had not won in the Premier League before beating Sunderland. Once that first victory arrived, they followed it with emphatic wins against AC Milan and Manchester United.
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That is quite a change in the conversation around a club within a week. Results can release tension, restore belief and make players approach the next opportunity with greater confidence. Sunderland cannot assume an identical response awaits them. But they should take encouragement from how quickly a difficult start can begin to look different.
They remain only two points behind Crystal Palace in 17th. Coventry and Nottingham Forest are just one point ahead. Nobody should pretend that Sunderland are cut adrift or that their position is beyond repair. Equally, those small gaps are a reason to act rather than reassurance that results can wait. Six goals scored and 14 conceded across eight league matches explain why they are here. Both ends of the pitch require improvement.
Coventry gives this point its context
Four points from Leeds and Coventry would be a good return. One or two would not. That is why Saturday already feels so significant. There is Brentford in the Carabao Cup to negotiate first on Wednesday, bringing another opportunity to win and another selection challenge for Régis Le Bris. Players need minutes, others need recovery, and Sunderland need confidence.
I would welcome progress in the cup. Winning is a good habit, and a positive evening could help. It would still leave the league situation demanding attention. The applause exchanged between Le Bris and supporters after Leeds was significant. Fans recognised effort and improvement despite the frustration of another game without a goal.
That backing gives Sunderland something valuable to work with. It should also reinforce the responsibility to build on Sunday, rather than let the performance become another isolated reason for optimism. Every league game feels big because the poor start has made it so. Coventry are one place above Sunderland, and the opportunity to improve their position is obvious. A clean sheet and a point stopped the losing run. There was heart, desire and just enough quality to feel mildly encouraged. Now Sunderland need a victory that makes those improvements count.