One moment in the Sunderland clash with Norwich City caused quite a stir.
Sunderland managed a well-deserved 2-1 win against Norwich City at the Stadium of Light.
They found themselves down at the break after Anis Ben Slimane found the back of the net after a Borja Sainz cross was parried by Black Cats shot-stopper Anthony Patterson.
However, Sunderland didn’t take too long to respond after the interval, with Eliezer Mayenda setting up a header for Dan Ballard.
Into the second stanza, once Norwich City found themselves down to 10 men after a high challenge by Jose Cordoba, and Sunderland wasted no time to capitalise on having the extra player as Jobe Bellingham bagged the goal to lead the Black Cats to victory.
It was a game full of controversies, with tempers flying at several moments, including one that left the Sunderland fans chanting ‘cheat’ towards one Norwich City pantomime villain.
Sunderland fans shout ‘cheat’ towards Borja Sainz as commentator clears up situation
Norwich City winger Sainz was causing quite a stir in front of the Black Cats fans in the first half of action, coming toe-to-toe with Sunderland full-back Luke O’Nien.
The Spaniard found himself fouled by O’Nien, to which was met by plenty of hostility from the Sunderland faithful, who felt as if he was making the most of the situation, like he did just moments before as Chris Rigg allegedly made contact with his face.
Sunderland commentator Danny Collins has had his say on the incident, where he said: “The fans are shouting ‘cheat’ here. But if you look back, Luke [O’Nien] did catch him there.
“The Chris Rigg one I’m not so sure about.”
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Sunderland lack players that can replicate the dark arts put on show by Borja Sainz
There is no surprise to see the fans on Wearside livid at Sainz’s antics throughout the game, which undoubtedly wound up the home support.
However, that side of Norwich’s game was pivotal for them getting control of the game, as the current Sunderland side quite simply don’t as often play at the peak of their powers if they are in front of an unsettled crowd.
If the shoe was on the other foot, Sunderland would love a player to rile up the opposition crowd, like O’Nien is often able to do, but he can’t go about it himself.
Sunderland’s quality cannot be disputed, but there is no doubt that they would benefit on the mental side if they had more players that could offer that edge like O’Nien is able to.