Sunderland took all three points at Kenilworth Road on Wednesday night. But it wasn’t without a struggle against Luton Town.
It’s clear that Luton Town boss Rob Edwards had told his players to pump the ball into the box and get it forward as quickly as possible against Sunderland.
For parts during the first half, the Black Cats were hanging on, and they were perhaps slightly lucky to go into half-time at 0-0.
But it was an exciting watch for both sets of fans, and an exciting game overall with three second half goals; two for Sunderland from Chris Rigg and Romaine Mundle handing them the win.
Chris Mepham shone for Sunderland once again. Trai Hume also earned praise for his tackle that won possession back in the build up to Mundle’s curling effort.
Sunderland remain in 1st place of the Championship table, now boasting a three-point lead over Burnley in 2nd after they were held to a 1-1 draw against Hull City on Wednesday.
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Regis Le Bris discusses ‘difficult’ Luton Town style of play after Sunderland win
Luton’s players dominated the long ball statistics on Wednesday night. Luton also had 56% possession and an xG of 1.80 compared to Sunderland’s 0.70.
The Hatters bombarded Anthony Patterson, too, recording 19 shots but forcing just three saves from the Sunderland goalkeeper.
There was also 10 corners for Sunderland to deal with, compared to the three that Luton Town faced, in a game that posed a new threat for Regis Le Bris’ side this season.
Speaking to BBC after the game, Le Bris admitted that he wasn’t sure how his side would react to Luton’s style of play.
He explained: “I’m just focused now on the improvement of the team. The way we played today against such difficult way of playing.
“It was very interesting because I didn’t know before if we are able to face with that kind of football, and it was good in the end, so I’m proud.”
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Sunderland’s next five fixtures in the Championship
The Black Cats play four games before the November international break, starting with a return to the Stadium of Light this weekend against Oxford United.
Sunderland then travel to struggling QPR the following weekend, before heading right back up north to face Preston North End at Deepdale in a midweek clash.
That week, the Black Cats finish up with a home game against Coventry City who currently sit in 22nd.
There’s four winnable fixtures for Sunderland coming up, then. And after their heroics at Luton Town on Wednesday, Le Bris will back his players to win away at any team in the Championship.