Sunderland gave Regis Le Bris a first home game to remember.
Sunderland have made a perfect start to their 2024/25 Championship season, winning both of their opening games without conceding a single goal.
The Black Cats beat Cardiff City on the opening day of the season and then followed up with a 4-0 win vs Sheffield Wednesday.
It was Regis Le Bris‘ first game at the Stadium of Light which was packed out for the visit of a strong-looking Sheffield Wednesday side.
But the Owls were dealt a huge reality check against a formidable and clinical Sunderland side, with Dennis Cirkin, Eliezer Mayenda, and Luke O’Nien the scorers.
Mayenda shone for Sunderland and got his first two goals for the club.
The Spanish forward is rightly earning praise on social media and he could yet be the answer to Sunderland’s striker search, which remains ongoing.
There were several Sunderland players who stood out in particular vs Wednesday, but one familiar face has earned high praise.
Jack Clarke shines for Sunderland vs Sheffield Wednesday
Jack Clarke had another standout performance for Sunderland, despite not getting on the score-sheet himself.
The 23-year-old did claim one assist though, also making three key passes (joint-most of anyone on the pitch).
Clarke also won more duels of anyone on the pitch (11), and caught the eye of Sky Sports reporter Laura Hunter who said during the game: “Jack Clarke has been excellent all game.
“Wonderful close control, really agile and dynamic on the ball, and brilliant balance as he glides across the pitch.
“His ability to wriggle out of trouble, surrounded by two or three, is really impressive too.”
Kristjaan Speakman may have one key worry after Sunderland 4-0 Sheffield Wednesday
The win vs Wednesday has done Sunderland and all involved a world of good.
It’s given the players a newfound confidence and expectation going into the new campaign under Le Bris, who’ll no doubt be pleasantly surprised with how well his side did against the Owls.
For Kristjaan Speakman, there may now be even more concern over Clarke’s future at the club.
Clarke has Premier League interest from multiple teams and performances like his one against Wednesday will only keep him in the shop window.
As the transfer window draws nearer to an end, there’ll be more and more teams looking to plug the final gaps in their side, and potentially throw some big money around in the hope of landing some new players.
Whether or not any team puts enough money on the table for the £25million-rated Clarke, remains to be seen.