Sunderland gem Chris Rigg was full of praise for the fans following the 2-2 draw vs Leeds United.
The Black Cats managed a deserved point at the Stadium of Light as they pegged back Leeds United in the 97th minute to maintain their unbeaten record at home.
Sunderland managed to level up the game at the death courtesy of a goal awarded to Alan Browne, however it will be remembered as a calamity moment from Leeds United goalkeeper Ilian Meslier, who somehow completely missed the ball as it bounced back to him at slow speed and evaded his grasp.
Whilst Meslier’s error took centre stage in the game, Sunderland were without a doubt deserving of the point, and they had many top performers on the pitch, including Dennis Cirkin at left back.
Chris Rigg also shone once again for the Black Cats after a goal that saw him slot away the ball past Meslier in the opening minutes of the game, and he has given his thoughts on the Sunderland faithful that stuck with the side throughout the 90 minutes.
Sunderland star Chris Rigg emphasises the importance of the Stadium of Light crowd after draw
The Black Cats managed to get a late draw in front of a 41,000+ strong crowd on a Friday night, and the fans were without a doubt one of the factors in Sunderland pushing for their equaliser right to the very final whistle.
Speaking to Sky Sports, 17-year-old midfielder Rigg said: “I am trying to get into those areas and add goals to my game and today I was in the right area at the right time.
“We started well but we dropped off a little bit but you need the crowd in a game like this, they didn’t stop for 90 mins.
“We are pleased. If you go into an international break with a point or a win it leads onto a good next set of games.”
It was just the first time that Sunderland have dropped points away from home this season.
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Sunderland fans have been integral in home form so far this season
The Black Cats have been incredible both at home and on their travels.
Whilst there has been a clear shift in the quality of the current Sunderland outfit, which is recognisable as a result of the impact made by Le Bris and his coaching, the Black Cats fans have been immense and have truly stood up in comparison to last season.
The mood on Wearside was certainly flat, bleak and tepid in the latter half of the 2023/24 Championship campaign, but the transformation since then has been remarkable and it is clear that the fans have played into the direction utilised by Le Bris, and that has been translated into the tangible product of having a hostile home atmosphere that makes the Stadium of Light a difficult place for away sides to visit.
Sunderland will need their fans to continue to show up in their numbers as they are without a doubt a 12th man for the side, and there are no doubts that it gave them an edge as they drew 2-2 with Leeds United.