Wilson Isidor has had some critics in recent weeks. And despite not scoring against Swansea City on Saturday, he certainly played his part.
Sunderland left Swansea City stunned come full-time. The Black Cats were two goals down after just 17 minutes of the game in Wales but went on to win 3-2, returning to 3rd place in the Championship table.
Regis Le Bris’ side scored through Dan Ballard, Dan Neil, and Jobe Bellingham, with Neil’s goal from range being the pick of the bunch.
Likewise, Neil was arguably the pick of the bunch in terms of players. Sunderland fans said Neil was ‘back to his best’ against Swansea City but so too was Wilson Isidor.
In the last outing against Bristol City, Isidor received criticism from Sunderland fans for what looked a very tired and ineffective performance.
Then in the opening stages against Swansea, it looked to be the same. But he put in a real shift in the last hour or so and deserved a goal for his efforts.
Wilson Isidor’s message to Sunderland fans after Swansea City comeback
Since joining on loan from Zenit, Isidor has become a real fan favourite at the Stadium of Light, not only for his goals but for his sense of humour too.
Isidor is currently the Black Cats’ top scorer in the Championship this season with five goals to his name, albeit having not scored in his last six now.
Posting on X after the game, Isidor had this message for fans: “What a team. So proud of this one, we’ll never surrender. Sky is the limit.”
- READ MORE: BBC pundit says one Sunderland man was ‘outstanding’ vs Swansea, but it’s not Rigg or Neil
Wilson Isidor has answered Sunderland’s prayers this season
For perhaps three transfer windows before last summer, Sunderland desperately needed a new striker.
Not only did the need a goal scorer but they also needed a powerful front man to put in the running yards, and we saw that side of Isidor’s game against Swansea.
He stretched the Swans’ defence throughout the 90. He’s still got five goal to his name which is a solid return so far, but he’s also proving that he’s not just a striker who scores goals.
Speaking earlier in the season, Le Bris explained why Isidor is a perfect fit for Sunderland, saying: “His profile matches very well what we needed to improve our game.
“He is very orientated to run in behind – he is very generous – and with good timing. The connection with our striker, running in behind, was very important because we can create a chance just with one pass.”
Next up for Sunderland is a home game against Norwich City on Saturday.