Sunderland defender Chris Mepham shared an adamant statement after Sunderland’s 0-0 draw against Norwich.
Sunderland drew 0-0 at Norwich on Tuesday evening as Regis Le Bris rang the changes from Saturday’s 1-0 win at West Brom.
Le Bris rang the changes from Saturday afternoon’s starting XI by handing starts to; Eliezer Mayenda, Milan Aleksic, Tommy Watson and Leo Hjelde, who came in for Jobe Bellingham, Patrick Roberts, Romaine Mundle and Wilson Isidor.
Sunderland were lacklustre all night and there was very little dynamism or inventiveness on the ball, only until substitute Enzo Le Fee was introduced.
The Canaries had chances to break the deadlock, but centre-back Chris Mepham was outstanding to ensure the clean sheet, as the Bournemouth loanee revealed Sunderland’s ambition for the rest of the regular season.
Chris Mepham shares exciting six-word statement
Cherries loanee Mepham was impressive in the 1-0 win at West Brom on Saturday and continued his resolute defensive displays at Carrow Road.
The Welsh international was imperative to ensuring the shut-out, making one clearance off the line in the first-half from a Marcelino Nunez strike which would’ve had goalkeeper Anthony Patterson beat.
Mepham went on to complete eight defensive actions, as per Fotmob, and was pivotal to Sunderland withstanding the Norwich pressure.
After the game, the stalwart centre-back’s ‘fizzle out’ rebuttal will go a long way to quell supporters’ fears that the regular season will fall off after the Black Cats’ play-off fate became certain.
Mepham told SAFC.com: “There is still plenty to play for. We won’t let things fizzle out, we’ve got momentum to gain. There are still a lot of areas where we can improve as a team.
“It’s given us the chance to experiment with a few things, both on and off the ball, but hopefully that will put us in a good position at the end of the season.”
Despite the disappointing and flat display, Mepham added that he was ‘proud’ of Sunderland’s defensive display.
What ‘pleased’ Chris Mepham in draw vs Norwich
Mepham’s aggression and organisation played no small part in Sunderland’s shut-out at Carrow Road, making it three clean sheets on the spin following the international break.
The Black Cats have learned the error of their ways from the 3-0 Coventry hammering, and look back to being hard to beat once again.
Mepham added: “I take pride in clean sheets. Naturally, there is a lot of focus on attacking play, but I think tonight it’s important to come to a team like this and limit them to any real clear-cut opportunities. That was pleasing.
| Key statistic | Chris Mepham vs Norwich |
| Minutes played | 90′ |
| Accurate passes | 57/61 |
| Clearances off the line | 1 |
| Blocks | 3 |
| Defensive actions | 8 |
“It’s a team effort. It’s not just the four of us at the back; it’s everyone who contributes to that.”
Mid-table Swansea visit the Stadium of Light next on Saturday afternoon, and with a play-off semi-final penned in for next month, Mepham will be hoping Sunderland’s resolute defensive displays continue as the Championship campaign reaches its climax.