Sunderland sent fans ecstatic as they thrashed Sheffield Wednesday on home soil.
The Black Cats expected a tough match against the Owls, who headed into the game off the back of a 4-0 win over Plymouth Argyle.
It didn’t take very long for Sunderland to take the lead though, with Dennis Cirkin’s header opening the floodgates, with the hosts finding themselves 3-0 up inside half an hour.
While it was a superb showing from every player in red and white, Eliezer Mayenda really caught the eye as he scored his first two goals for the club.
The Spaniard’s chances were limited last term, but he had impressed during pre-season and made an encouraging start against Cardiff.
Mayenda repaid Regis Le Bris’ faith as he bagged a brace, settling some of the pressure on Sunderland to find a new striker.
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Mayenda applauded by Le Bris
Le Bris has now heaped praise on the youngster, claiming he should be an ‘example’ to his teammates.
Speaking after the game, the head coach said: “Eliezer is an example to all the players. He was not a starter last season but he wants to improve, to find the little details he can improve after every game he plays. You could see that today.”
Sunderland should keep the Spaniard instead of loaning him out
There is a reason that Mayenda kept his place in the team today, and that wasn’t just because the club hadn’t signed a new striker yet.
The 19-year-old showed that he had something about him last time out, and while he missed a very good chance, he earned himself the opportunity of another start.
Mayenda’s first goal was taken like a senior professional, while his movement and positioning for his second was also brilliant.
He is undoubtedly raw and will make mistakes, but there is no denying that he has bags of promise.
While Sunderland definitely can’t rely on him all season, his performance against Sheffield Wednesday could encourage Le Bris to use him as the main back-up option rather than bringing in another loan player from the Premier League.
The Black Cats have previously been linked to the likes of Will Lankshear and Dane Scarlett, but Mayenda will definitely be in Le Bris’ thoughts now.