One Sunderland star in particular was pivotal against West Brom on Saturday and his performance has increased his contention to be the Black Cats’ player of the season.
Sunderland beat West Brom 1-0 on Saturday afternoon thanks to a wonderful first-half free-kick from full-back Trai Hume.
The Northern Irishman continued his impressive form in an unfavoured left-back role, with Alan Browne retaining his place at right-back, as Regis Le Bris’ side battled well to earn three points over their former boss Tony Mowbray.
It was a scrappy affair in which the Baggies dominated the ball but failed to carve Sunderland open at any point.
Hume was man of the match against Millwall after his first-half volley was enough to earn the Black Cats all three points.
The versatile full-back’s display against the Baggies was pivotal to the Black Cats’ victory, and Hume’s stats continue to prove why his miniscule transfer fee Sunderland shelled out for him was “daylight robbery”.
Trai Hume’s form continues with free-kick vs West Brom
Hume bagged the sole goal of the Championship clash against West Brom with a stunning free-kick strike ten minutes before half-time.
Excellent work from substitute Eliezer Mayenda, who replaced injured Romaine Mundle after 30 minutes, saw the Spaniard brought down and earn a set-piece in a dangerous area.
Hume’s peach of a free-kick was too much for Baggies goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith to handle, and was the latest accomplishment in the full-back’s stellar season so far.
Hume has been lauded for his committed and consistent displays this season, with many supporters tipping him for the Black Cats’ player of the season accolade.
| Key statistic | Trai Hume vs West Brom |
| Minutes played | 90′ |
| Goals | 1 |
| Touches | 64 |
| Clearances | 10 |
| Defensive actions | 17 |
The full-back made the most tackles in the West Brom game (3) in a typically robust defensive display. Hume also won the most duels (9) out of anyone at The Hawthorns.
His headline-grabbing goal epitomised how crucial he was to Sunderland’s victory as his presence at the back helped to secure an imperative three points.
Trai Hume’s transfer to Sunderland was ‘daylight robbery’
Following Hume’s stunning free kick goal, Sunderland journalist James Copley wrote on X: “He cost £200k. Daylight robbery…”
Hume’s transfer from boyhood club Linfield to Wearside for a fee of around £200,000 could well be the best bit of business under Kristjaan Speakman’s sporting directorship.
Premier League sides Crystal Palace and Fulham want Hume, and it is clear to see why after his impressive form of late for the Black Cats, and on the international stage for Northern Ireland.
Hume’s consistency is perhaps down to the impeccable standards he sets himself, and he has been an imperative component to his side’s promotion push having featured in all but one of Sunderland’s league outings this term.
The 23-year-old is in contention to be Sunderland’s player of the season, and if his performances continue at the level of his Baggies display, then that award will almost certainly be his.
£200,000 for the best full-back in the Championship, with now three goals and six assists to his name so far this season, is absolutely nothing short of “daylight robbery”.