There is one Sunderland man who showcased a solid performance against Queens Park Rangers.
Sunderland were unable to build on their healthy lead at the top of the Championship table as they were held to a goalless draw with Queens Park Rangers.
As of recently, Sunderland have been in top form in regards to attacking capabilities, but it was somewhat of an off day for the likes of Wilson Isidor, who was unable to bag a third consecutive league goal.
The decisive moment in the 90 minutes was ultimately the red card handed to Jobe Bellingham in the second half, and it could be argued that with 11 men on the pitch, the Black Cats could have pushed on for a win.
As for positives, Sunderland were yet again solid at the back, and there was one man in particular who shone, as he has done on several occasions so far in the 2024/25 Championship season.
Sunderland star Dennis Cirkin deserves plaudits after showing vs Queens Park Rangers
Black Cats defender Dennis Cirkin has been incredible at left-back so far this season, and it was no different on Saturday as he helped his side to yet another clean sheet.
The full-back, who has played every single minute of action in the Championship campaign so far, was hailed as ‘resilient’ for his showing, per Sunderland Echo, and continued his streak of being very dependable at the back for Regis Le Bris’ side.
His stats from yet again another brilliant performance highlight his defensive capabilities as, per SofaScore, he managed five tackles, one clearance and two interceptions.
He was also dribbled past just once in the full 90 minutes of action, and he managed to successfully win seven ground duels out of a possible 10.
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Sunderland defensive consistencies will keep them in a promotion push
As highlighted before, Sunderland weren’t quite at the races in regards to their attacking abilities against Queens Park Rangers, but they were able to rely on the positive defensive showing of Cirkin, as well as the likes of Chris Mepham, Luke O’Nien and Trai Hume.
The levels that Le Bris’ side have shown at the back have been phenomenal, and they are without a doubt to thank for what in hindsight isn’t the worst point for the side to pick up after they went down to 10 men.
It is easily a game that could have gone out of Sunderland’s hands and ended in defeat, but thanks to the competence at the back, this was not the case.