Robin Roefs’ furious reaction and Régis Le Bris’ surprise Sunderland switch – moments missed at Lech Poznań
A frustrated Robin Roefs and a late change of role for Malick Fofana were among the moments you might have missed as Sunderland drew 1-1 at Lech Poznań
Sunderland were held to a 1-1 draw at Lech Poznań as Timur Tutierov’s first senior goal for the club was cancelled out during an open Europa League contest.
Régis Le Bris’ side had chances to win but needed saves from Robin Roefs, leaving Poland with seven points from their opening three European fixtures.
It was an improvement on the 2-0 defeat at Bournemouth, which had left Sunderland bottom of the Premier League with four points from seven games. Their record stood at one win, one draw and five defeats.
Poznań had lost both previous league-phase matches without scoring. Here were some of the moments you might have missed:
Diarra returns as Sadiki gets rare rest
Habib Diarra made his first competitive start of the season as Le Bris made six changes ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Leeds United. He joined Jules Ahoka in midfield, with Granit Xhaka behind them, while Noah Sadiki took a rare place among the substitutes.
Nordi Mukiele started at right-back, with Kevin Danso partnering Luke O’Nien centrally. Danso’s domestic suspension did not prevent him from playing in Europe, while Omar Alderete was on the bench despite missing Wednesday’s open training session. Malick Fofana and Nilson Angulo returned on the wings, with Tutierov continuing up front. Brian Brobbey was not risked as his recovery from a hamstring injury continued, while Wilson Isidor was also absent.
Tutierov gets his moment after 78 seconds
Tutierov needed just 78 seconds to open the scoring, rewarding his persistence after a demanding week. Having had a goal ruled out against Torreense and worked hard in difficult circumstances at Bournemouth, the academy graduate had his moment. Angulo deserved credit too, pressing to win possession before providing the assist.
Roefs then produced a double save during a frantic opening. Poznań threatened again after 16 minutes, cutting through Sunderland before wasting the chance with a poor finish. At the other end, Xhaka forced a save after 21 minutes before Fofana struck the rebound against the post. Sunderland deserved their half-time lead, although both sides had left space to exploit.
Roefs furious before late tactical switch
Fofana and Diarra had half-chances after the break. Angulo shot straight at the goalkeeper following good combination play, while Mukiele had an effort saved. Le Bris made four changes after 62 minutes, introducing Sadiki, Chris Rigg, Trai Hume and Enzo Le Fée for Angulo, Mukiele, Xhaka and Diarra.
Poznań’s changes appeared to help the hosts, while Sunderland briefly lost some shape. Their equaliser came from a corner with 20 minutes remaining, leaving Roefs visibly furious. The goalkeeper responded with a superb double save to keep Sunderland level. Le Fée then created an opening for Fofana after 75 minutes, but the winger missed the target. Le Fée might have been better taking the shot himself.
With six minutes remaining, Reinildo Mandava replaced Tutierov, and Fofana moved up front. The winner never arrived, but Sunderland remained unbeaten in Europe, with their attacking improvement offering encouragement before Sunday’s home meeting with Leeds.
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