Sunderland supporters want to see big change made for Tuesday’s clash against Norwich despite the win over West Brom this weekend.
Sunderland beat West Brom 1-0 on Saturday as Regis Le Bris’ side continue their promotion push.
The Black Cats ran out victors at The Hawthorns against former boss Tony Mowbray thanks to an audacious free-kick strike from full-back Trai Hume.
Buoyed by his standout display against Millwall, Hume continued his stellar run of form after firing the match-winner and defended valiantly to help secure all three points, as his player of the season contention grows.
Alan Browne continued to deputise at right-back, with Hume continuing on the left amid Dennis Cirkin’s latest injury lay-off. However, it was not a change to the backline that the Black Cats faithful were demanding following the win over West Brom.
Sunderland fans demand Eliezer Mayenda starts vs Norwich
Wilson Isidor has cemented himself as Le Bris’ first-choice striker this season since his initial loan arrival from Zenit St Petersburg, which was made permanent in the January window. Isidor was anonymous in last weekend’s Lions win, with his performance leaving Sunderland fans unimpressed by his display.
Fellow centre-forward Eliezer Mayenda has enjoyed a remarkable breakthrough campaign, and has had a positive impact throughout the season, with seven goals and five assists to his name in just 19 starts.
Mayenda was introduced after 30 minutes following Romaine Mundle’s injury, and his cameo has Sunderland fans desperate for the Spaniard to start against Norwich on Tuesday evening.
“As soon as Mayenda on the pitch we do something, no coincidence, needs to be starting” wrote one Sunderland fan after the West Brom win. “Mayenda really does make the difference every time.” said another.
One fan stated: “He’s stronger on the ball than most, doesn’t give up and has skinned their defence a few times.”
Another added: “I’d love him to start but he’s excellent as an impact sub” amid reports Premier League side West Ham have been tracking Mayenda.
Eliezer Mayenda makes case for a start vs Norwich
Isidor and Mayenda have been battling for a starting spot, with both enjoying productive seasons in front of goal having 26 goal contributions combined between themselves.
Isidor has been a breath of fresh air since his arrival on Wearside this season and his 12-goal campaign has courted the attention of Championship rivals Leeds.
| Wilson Isidor | Eliezer Mayenda |
| Games played – 37 (31 starts) | Games played – 32 (19 starts) |
| Goals – 12 | Goals – 7 |
| Assists – 2 | Assists – 5 |
However, Isidor’s recent run of form is a significant cause for concern for Le Bris, with the Frenchman failing to look like his usual clinical self having failed to find the net since the dramatic 2-1 defeat at Leeds back in February.
One Sunderland fan argued after the West Brom win: “He’s (Mayenda) offering a lot more than Isidor at the minute.”
After Mayenda’s cameo against the Baggies, and with Isidor’s dwindling form in front of goal, the Spaniard has a strong case to lead the line at Carrow Road on Tuesday night.
Le Bris could also start both from the off against Norwich which has proved useful this season, in crunch clashes such as the 2-1 Sheffield United win that saw both start and get on the scoresheet.