Sunderland kickstarted 2025 with a resounding and exciting win over Sheffield United, beating the Blades 2-1 at the Stadium of Light.
The Black Cats have gotten their revenge over Sheffield United who beat the beat Sunderland 1-0 in the reverse fixture earlier in the campaign.
All the goals came in what was an exciting first half with Eliezer Mayenda and Wilson Isidor both scoring, whilst Luke O’Nien scored an own goal at the other end of the pitch.
Sunderland’s win over Sheffield United keeps them in 4th place of the Championship table but closes the gap to Burnley in 2nd to just two points, with Leeds United in 1st now only five points ahead.
Several names shone for Regis Le Bris’ side on Wednesday night. Isidor put in another energetic display whilst Jobe Bellingham was commanding as ever. But Mayenda steals the headlines.
Gary Bennett says Eliezer Mayenda had ‘his best game’ for Sunderland vs Sheffield United
Mayenda scored his third goal of the season against the Blades, also making his fourth assist too, with seven goal contributions for the 19-year-old in the Championship this season.
And it comes in the wake of last week’s outing against Blackburn Rovers, after which Sunderland fans were highly critical of Mayenda.
BBC pundit Gary Bennett also criticised Mayenda who fluffed a golden chance late on in the game to seal the win for Sunderland.
But against Sheffield United, he made no mistakes with an almost carbon copy of his chance against Blackburn.
Speaking on BBC Radio Newcastle after the game, pundit Bennett said of the Spaniard: “Mayenda, tonight, I think that was his best game.
“He lead the line well. He was a problem for Sheffield United’s back-four.”
Gary Bennett was right about Eliezer Mayenda all along
Whilst Bennett has offered mixed reviews of Mayenda in the past week or so, he did make one very interesting comment on the youngster earlier in the season.
After Sunderland’s win over Norwich City earlier in the campaign, Bennett suggested Mayenda would be better as a striker as opposed to a winger, with Mayenda a natural striker anyway.
Against Sheffield United, Le Bris started Mayenda and Isidor as two strikers alongside each other, and both were much more involved because of it.
Bennett said: “Mayenda, he showed some bright sparks today. And that’s going to be interesting, do you start with Mayenda as an out and out striker, rather than playing him wide on the left or right hand side?”
Mayenda has certainly given Le Bris a lot to think about with that performance. He looked so much more confident up front and Sunderland fans will hope it continues throughout 2025.