There were a number of impressive individual performances for Sunderland in their game against Derby County on Tuesday, which ended in a 1-0 win for the Black Cats. But one might have gone under the radar.
Sunderland got through a testing game against Derby County with flying colours, winning 1-0 but perhaps feeling as though the scoreline should’ve been more after Wilson Isidor was disallowed a goal in very controversial circumstances.
But Regis Le Bris’ side got the win anyway, and it’s a win that moves them up into 3rd place of the Championship table.
That’s for the time being anyway with Leeds United and Burnley both in action on Wednesday night. But Sunderland are looking good right now, and at both ends of the pitch too.
Isidor seems to be finding his scoring touch after previously going seven games without a goal in the Championship. Meanwhile Anthony Patterson in goal had a good game against Derby County, making some good saves.
As ever, there’s praise for Chris Mepham, too. He was solid at the back, as he always is.
Don Goodman wowed by Chris Mepham form at Sunderland
Sunderland signed Mepham on loan from Bournemouth on deadline day last summer, following the injury to Dan Ballard. And many will admit that they’ve been pleasantly surprised by how good a signing it’s proved to be.
The Welsh international is arguably the first defensive name on the team sheet for Le Bris right now. He’s played 22 games in the league in 2024/25 and in those 22, Sunderland have kept 10 clean sheets, with no goals conceded in the league since New Year’s Day.
Speaking to Sunderland Echo, Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman has hailed Mepham’s form at the Stadium of Light. He said: “This is the best I’ve ever seen him play throughout his career. He’s been a rock. They’ve only conceded 22 goals in 27 games, and it’s good to see Sunderland bringing in that bit of experience.
“The policy last season was signing mostly young players, where most of the signings were under 21, they have been a bit more flexible this time round. Mepham is 27, Isidor is 24, and I think just relaxing that strategy a little bit has really helped them kick on this time round.”
- READ MORE: Sunderland target had a 5/10 stinker on Tuesday night, he’s not right at all for the Black Cats
Kristjaan Speakman knew what he had to do in the summer
At the end of the 2023/24 season, it was clear that Sunderland were lacking players with a bit of experience, whether that be Championship or overall experience.
But Kristjaan Speakman addressed that issue during the summer. Like Goodman says, Mepham and Isidor bring a bout of experience, as does Alan Browne who’s over 400 appearances to his name at Preston North End.
And all of the good work by Speakman is showing. Sunderland are a real unit right now with everyone pulling in the right direction, Mepham certainly included.