One Sunderland player was very disappointing in the defeat away at Stoke City.
The Black Cats fell to a poor defeat on their travels against Stoke City, which saw former Sunderland transfer target Tom Cannon notch a goal in the dying minutes.
Overall, it was a game full of missed chances for the Black Cats, including one in the first half that saw Wilson Isidor denied at a tight angle, albeit with plenty of praise being handed to Viktor Johansson for an impeccable save to deny the Frenchman.
Regis Le Bris’ side also missed a massive opportunity to take the lead in the second stanza as Eliezer Mayenda could not convert from six-yards-out as Adil Aouchiche set him up with a brilliantly-hit cross.
It will be regarded as a bitterly disappointing afternoon for Sunderland, and many will go back to the Mayenda miss as the pivotal moment that lost it for the Black Cats.
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Sunderland youngster Eliezer Mayenda disappoints in Stoke City defeat
Black Cats attacker Mayenda has received criticism recently for his performances, including the draw with Blackburn Rovers, where he missed a chance to help his side towards all three points at Ewood Park.
The striker was once again at the front-and-centre of another huge opportunity squandered, which has been regard as ‘glorious’ and ‘looked harder to miss in real time’, per Sunderland Echo.
Overall, the Spaniard was far from at his best throughout the game, and ‘struggled’ to make a significant impact, certainly in comparison to Aouchiche on the left flank, who was impeccable despite the result.
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Regis Le Bris must take bold approach with Eliezer Mayenda amid recent form
At 2pm, Sunderland’s more-than-interesting team news was revealed, which saw Aouchiche named at left wing, whilst Mayenda was utilised to maraud the right-flank.
With Patrick Roberts sat on the bench, it was a real opportunity for Mayenda to stake his claim in his somewhat more comfortable position down the right, but he certainly wasn’t able to do that, with his poor miss sticking out as a clear indicator in his game.
As a result, there is no doubt that Le Bris must be somewhat bold with his team selection next time out, and drop the Spaniard for Roberts to come back in, whilst Aouchiche retains his spot in the side.