Enzo Maresca has made an interesting claim about Sunderland this week.
Speaking following Leicester City’s defeat to Leeds United, the manager suggested that the Black Cats were actually better than yesterday’s opponents.
Sunderland made it three losses in a row when they fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat to Leicester last week, however they put on an excellent display and were arguably due a penalty that could have changed the game completely.
Enzo Maresca previously heaped praise on Anthony Patterson after a solid display from the goalkeeper and has now hailed the Black Cats once again.
The Foxes suffered only their second defeat of the Championship campaign on Friday evening as Georginio Rutter claimed all three points for Leeds United, but Maresca has claimed that Sunderland were much more ‘aggressive’ and ‘consistent’ than the Whites.
As per Leeds Live, Maresca said: “Sunderland were more aggressive and consistent from start to finish. Leeds started each half with intensity, but they then dropped off. Team showed more intensity was Sunderland.
“They don’t have the same energy. Sunderland players are young. Pressed high and good. Some moments they dropped and pressed high tonight.”
Can Sunderland challenge the likes of Leeds United this season?
Sunderland’s quality against Leicester last week was undeniable and it was easily their best performance during their dip in form, however they just couldn’t penetrate what is a brilliant Foxes team.
The Black Cats currently sit six points behind Leeds, but Maresca’s comments are very reassuring considering some of the Premier League quality in Leeds’ squad.
With Sunderland back to winning ways against Norwich, their high pressing and energy can definitely push us back into contention for the play-offs.
It is a huge compliment for the likes of Maresca to be impressed with our young squad and it is a sign of things to come that we are making such a mark on the Championship in only our second campaign out of the third tier.