Sunderland were left wanting at the end of their Boxing Day clash against Blackburn Rovers, which eventually finished 2-2.
Sunderland have been nothing if not entertaining in their last few outings, with Regis Le Bris’ side once again coming from behind in the Championship.
But the Black Cats conceded late on to draw against Rovers. Goals from Chris Rigg and Wilson Isidor had Sunderland in front after the break, but Blackburn’s Harry Leonard found a late equaliser for John Eustace’s side.
Dan Neil shone for Sunderland on the day, pulling the strings and being the only player to earn any praise from a sloppy first 45.
Isidor and Rigg both took their goals well, though Rigg may now be injured for Sunderland as Le Bris sweats over an injury that forced the youngster off in the second half.
One man who struggled on the day was Eliezer Mayenda. The Spaniard is enjoying a run of games in the XI, starting the last four in the left wing position owing to injuries to both Romaine Mundle and Tommy Watson.
Gary Bennett critical of Eliezer Mayenda after key chance missed vs Blackburn Rovers
Mayenda scored his first Sunderland goals earlier in the campaign, netting twice in the 4-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday back in August.
But he hasn’t scored since. In fairness, Mayenda has been injured and he has been playing out of position. But the 19-year-old fluffed his lines when he had a chance late on at Ewood Park.
He was clear on goal when the score was 2-2 but eventually just ran the ball into the hands of Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Aynsley Pears.
Speaking on BBC Radio Newcastle after the game, BBC pundit and former Sunderland man Gary Bennett was critical of Mayenda.
Bennett said: “We had a great opportunity. Mayenda broke clear. All he needed to do, stay composed.
“His strongest side is his left foot. For some unknown reason, the ball’s ran onto his right, and he ends up the goalkeeper smothering the ball.”
Bennett later added: “He didn’t look comfortable. He didn’t look composed or confident that he was going to score.”
Eliezer Mayenda’s worrying stats for Sunderland vs Blackburn Rovers
Mayenda recorded just five accurate passes against Blackburn, which was the lowest of any Sunderland player that started the game, also recording the lowest pass success rate of any of his teammates (56%).
He did however attempt the most duels of anyone on the pitch (15, but with only four won), as well as the most dribbles of any Sunderland man (six, with two successful).
But Mayenda lost possession more times than any other Sunderland man on the day (17) and ultimately squandered what was a great chance to win the game.
There’s certainly room for improvement where Mayenda is concerned.