Sunderland have closed the gap to Championship leaders Leeds United to five points, after a stunning 2-1 win against Sheffield United on New Year’s Day.
Sunderland ended 2024 with a seven point gap to the top of the Championship table, following a dismal 1-0 defeat against Stoke City.
But Regis Le Bris’ side have started 2025 with a bang. On New Year’s Day, Sunderland beat Sheffield United 2-1 in front of the Sky Sports cameras, putting on a really good show for the fans and for the neutrals too.
The gap to Leeds is now five points and the gap to Burnley in 2nd is now just two points, with Sheffield United in 3rd and also two points ahead of Sunderland.
On the night, Eliezer Mayenda shone against Sheffield United, with Gary Bennett saying Mayenda had his best game for Sunderland as he scored and claimed an assist.
Wilson Isidor was the other scorer on the night. He neatly turned his man before finishing into the bottom corner, really making a goal out of nothing.
He too has earned praise for his energetic and combative performance in attack.
Luke Chambers says Wilson Isidor was ‘too powerful’ for Sheffield United
Isidor was everywhere on Wednesday night. He gave the Blades defence a real nightmare throughout with his electric pace and power proving unstoppable at times.
His goal summed up his best attributes as well; his pace on the turn, his strength to get past a player, and his incredible finishing ability.
Speaking in the Sky Sports studio after the game, Championship legend Luke Chambers, who has more than 400 second tier appearances to his name with Nottingham Forest and Ipswich Town, spoke very fondly of Isidor.
Chambers said: “Isidor is too powerful, too good. His first touch is fantastic and the way he was able to open himself up to finish it was absolutely brilliant.”
Isidor is now on seven goals in 22 Championship outings so far this season.
Regis Le Bris earns praise over Wilson Isidor handling at Sunderland
In recent weeks, Isidor has received criticism from Sunderland fans who watched the 24-year-old go seven games without a goal in the Championship.
But he’s got two in his last three now, and his performance against the Blades suggests that he’s not lacking any confidence.
Speaking recently, journalist Michael Graham hailed Le Bris for his handling of Isidor, posting on X: “Got to give Reggie a lot of credit for his handling of Isidor during the last couple months. Clearly kept his confidence up.”
For Le Bris then, keeping Isidor happy and confident seems key to Sunderland’s promotion push this season.
We saw against Sheffield United how influential Isidor can be when he’s at his best, completely running rings around a team who’ve been in the top two for most of the season.