One Sunderland star is back in the good books following his performance against Stoke City.
Sunderland got back to winning ways this weekend as they claimed a 3-1 victory over The Potters on home soil.
Everything seemed to be pointing to defeat heading into the game, with Michael Beale’s frustrating pre-match comments followed by a statement that Alex Pritchard was refusing to play and wanted to leave the club.
The revelation that came only an hour before kick-off really angered fans and left a frustrated feel across the Stadium of Light at 3pm.
However, albeit a poor first half, Mason Burstow‘s opener just minutes from half-time spurred Sunderland on to a comfortable win and an important three points.
The striker netted his first goal of the season as he joined Nazariy Rusyn off the mark, before a much-improved second half saw Abdoullah Ba double the lead, before picking up his second assist of the afternoon as Pierre Ekwah bagged his third of the campaign.
While the winger received plenty of plaudits for his display, his teammate Ekwah was also praised for showing glimpses of his old self.
The Frenchman was pushed further forward into the midfield and played in more of a flat three alongside Dan Neil and Jobe Bellingham, allowing him to attack the ball and not hold so much defensive responsibility.
Ekwah thrived in his position and his goal was just the icing on the cake.
The Northern Echo journalist Dominic Shaw applauded the 22-year-old at full-time, handing him a rating of nine.
He wrote: “Moved into advanced midfield role and the tweak worked a treat. Back to his best. Influential throughout and deserved his goal.”
Ekwah’s goal was his first since claiming a brace in Sunderland’s 5-0 hammering of Southampton in September.
The Frenchman has struggled for form since returning from injury over a month later, but put on a solid display against Stoke.
Have we been holding Pierre Ekwah back?
Pierre Ekwah lasted the full 90 minutes and had 57 touches, completed 31 passes and had one shot on target.
He also won three ground duels, made three clearances and won two tackles.
Ekwah at his best is usually one of the best players on the pitch for Sunderland, and while I still don’t think he was quite at that level yesterday, it proves he is definitely on the right path.
It is also more evidence as to why Sunderland need to bring in a new defensive midfielder though, because both Ekwah and Dan Neil are much better if they are given some freedom further forward.
Our lack of a Corry Evans figure is really holding the pair back and affecting our ability to push forward, while yesterday proved that we have been preventing them from doing what they do best.