Sunderland were held to a 1-1 draw against Millwall on Saturday afternoon, with the Lions scoring a late equaliser at The Den.
Sunderland headed to Millwall on Saturday for what was billed as Regis Le Bris’ toughest test as Black Cats boss so far.
His side was riddled with injuries and suspensions for the game in London. But despite that, and despite a very makeshift XI, Sunderland put up a good fight.
Aaron Connolly scored his first goal for Sunderland after 10 minutes of the game at The Den. Lions midfielder Femi Azeez would go on to score an injury time equaliser, though.
The draw keeps Sunderland in 1st place of the Championship table, still level on points with Sheffield United who drew against Coventry City.
Here are five conclusions we drew from the game…
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Aaron Connolly now ready to kick on for Sunderland
Connolly looked delighted after grabbing his first goal for Sunderland, which was a very well-taken volley too.
It’s not been an easy start for the Irishman who’s had to wait until his seventh Championship appearance for the Black Cats before getting his first goal.
Sunderland fans blasted Connolly after the last game against Coventry City at the Stadium of Light.
But this goal will give him huge confidence. It’s a weight off his shoulders and it could spark a run in the starting XI, and a run of goals too.
Eliezer Mayenda is definitely an option on the wing
Eliezer Mayenda started on the right-wing for Sunderland against Millwall, with Patrick Roberts suspended for one game.
And the Spaniard looked bright in the first half especially. He troubled the Millwall defence with his forward-thinking runs and physical power.
For Le Bris, it’s certainly useful to know that Mayenda can operate effectively on the wing, and it could be something we see a lot more of this season.
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Tommy Watson will only get better and better
Academy product Tommy Watson made his second start of the season at Millwall, and this time he got to play in his favoured left-wing position.
In the first half especially, the 18-year-old shone. Like Mayenda, Watson caused Millwall’s defence a lot of problems, getting forward and cutting inside and looking very much like Jack Clarke in his style of play.
Watson had a tough first start for Sunderland against Preston North End earlier in November. He played on the right that game but was clearly better on the left against Millwall.
It tells us that Watson will only get better and more confident with every game. Le Bris needs to keep him on the left, though.
Sunderland’s first-team depth is very strong
Despite Le Bris not having several key players through injury and suspension for the Millwall game, making five changes to the side that faced Coventry, the Black Cats did very well.
And the fact that a heavily-changed Sunderland team performed and battled so well at The Den tells us that Le Bris does have some good strength and depth to his first-team squad.
There’s been concerns about the overall quality of the team this season. But Le Bris discovered against Millwall that he has good options to call upon in names like Watson, Mayenda, and Aji Alese for example.
Having this amount of strength in the first-team is certainly a key ingredient in any promotion push.
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Milan Aleksic could become a Sunderland fan favourite
Milan Aleksic came on for his Sunderland debut against Millwall, following his deadline day move to the club in the summer.
Speaking before the game, Le Bris said Aleksic has to be patient for his Sunderland chance, and that chance came midway through the second half at Millwall.
The Serbian U21 put in some strong tackles and made a couple of really neat touches and passes too.
He looks built for the Championship, and he could quickly become a very well-liked player among Sunderland fans if he shows more of the same.