Sunderland hailed on Match of the Day as Danny Murphy and Joe Hart left stunned by Enzo Le Fee masterclass
Sunderland earned huge praise on Match of the Day after Le Fee helped spark a remarkable fightback against Bournemouth
Match of the Day pundits Danny Murphy and Joe Hart were full of admiration for Sunderland after their thrilling 3-2 victory over Bournemouth, praising their character, tactical bravery and standout individual performances.
Murphy described the contest as “incredible”, saying: “Two great teams playing with energy, freedom, going toe to toe. Sunderland deserved credit as well for that because they went to a back four to get more men forward on the pitch. But one player in particular, Le Fee for Sunderland, was the main instigator in the comeback.”
Murphy continued: “He was terrific. This game could have been 4-4, 5-5, but this is at 2-0, pushing on to try and get back in the game, committing men forward. And as you see here, Le Fee, as you want, fighting for your team, winning tackles isn't his forte, he's more of a flair player. We know that, nice and positive with his passing.”
He also addressed the penalty that got Sunderland back into the match. “This is the contentious penalty. Reinildo gets fouled, we think initially, and when you watch it again, it's soft. He puts his leg across, Scott, yes, is a bit stupid to dive in, shouldn't really give the referee a decision to make, but he's looking for it and they decide to give it. Once he's given it, VAR weren't going to change it. And then Le Fee hits a beautiful penalty under pressure to give them the impetus to get the fans behind them.”
Murphy praised Sunderland’s work rate and their second half surge. “This is what Sunderland's about, winning the ball back, working together, hunting impact. And there's your man again, great strike, inches away from getting his team back in. This is the first minute of the second half, of course Bournemouth are going to be disappointed. Traore was terrific, caused a lot of problems. Xhaka again, the calming influence in there, getting them passing. And Le Fee is well involved, brilliant move, 2-2, and then all of a sudden, the fans are up, they feel like they can win it.”
He added that Bournemouth played their part. “Again, it was end to end, Bournemouth contributed, I have to say that, to a wonderful game. Lovely little pass from Le Fee, so confident with that, he wants to take responsibility. Brobbey there off the bench, just missed that one, but here he is, super sub. Quality in a corner from Le Fee again, and the header from Brobbey terrific. Two winners in two weeks, and the stadium is just ecstatic. It was amazing to see this team that have come up who nobody gave a chance, including me, now sitting in a wonderful position in the Premier League. That manager deserves great credit.”
Presenter Gabby Logan highlighted Sunderland’s climb up the table, adding: “As we finish November, December next week, they are fourth, or they're in the top four of the table. It just must feel like heaven to Sunderland fans, and that home form that we just showed you there is largely why. If you can make home a fortress, as they are at the moment, then you stand yourself in a very, very good position.”
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Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart also praised the performance and atmosphere at the Stadium of Light. “Yeah, that was incredible what's come on today, it was absolutely rocking,” he said. “That's the kind of place that enjoys those wet, windy conditions. To go 2-0 down and still believe in what we're doing with absolute quality, credit to them. They've really established themselves this season, and they're a joy to watch. Their games are really, really enjoyable.”