Sunderland held on for what will prove to be a memorable win at Luton Town on Wednesday night.
Sunderland got their revenge following the 2022/23 Championship play-off semi-final at Kenilworth Road, which the Black Cats lost 2-0 as Luton Town progressed to the final.
Now though, it’s a much different story as Luton find themselves in 19th place of the Championship table after their relegation from the Premier League last time round, compared to Sunderland in 1st.
Regis Le Bris’ side now have a three-point lead at the top after Burnley were held to a draw by Hull City on Wednesday night, with eight wins from the opening 11 games for Sunderland this season.
Chris Rigg and Romaine Mundle were the scorers for the Black Cats. Both goals were well-taken, though Mundle’s curled effort from the edge of the box will grab all the attention.
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Trai Hume hailed for ‘brilliant’ tackle in build up to Romaine Mundle goal
Mundle’s goal was a very easily-worked one for Sunderland, starting with a tackle from Trai Hume on the half-way line.
Dan Neil fed the ball to Mundle who did the rest, with Neil now having assists in his last games following his poor start to the season with Sunderland.
But the move was definitely started by Hume’s tackle, which may not have got as much attention after the fine finish from Mundle.
Several reporters noticed it, however, with one being Dominic Shaw who posted on X:
Journalist Phil Smith described it as a ‘great tackle’ as well.
Trai Hume’s stats for Sunderland so far this season
Hume, who was linked with Aston Villa during the summer transfer window, and who was the subject of a £7million Galatasaray bid, is enjoying another solid season.
He’s a typical full-back who does his job well, very rarely putting a foot wrong, but not always getting the plaudits.
Especially in this attacking side with so much flair and young talent, Hume may not get the credit he deserves at times.
But fans and indeed reporters know just how crucial he is to the team, and his stats again show why.
Last season, Hume lead the Championship for tackles. Right now, Hume is 44th in the Championship for number of players tackled this season with left-back Dennis Cirkin actually leading the way (Hume on 19 compared to Cirkin on 41), whilst Hume has won 12 tackles this season (45th, Cirkin in 2nd with 24).
Against Luton, Hume made the second-most defensive actions of any player (12, behind Chris Mepham on 15), recording the most touches of any Sunderland player (77), with the fifth-most duels (five won out of 12).