Key conclusions as Sunderland brush aside Burnley 3-0 | OneFootball

Sunderland returned to winning ways, beating Burnley 3-0 at the Stadium of Light on Monday night, and the performance offered clear pointers about where both teams stand.

Sunderland Echo notes that Burnley produced a wretched display, failing to register a shot on target and posting an xG below 0.1, while Scott Parker and Kyle Walker were withering afterwards. Sunderland had brief first-half wobbles, but the visitors lacked the quality and even their set plays misfired.

Sunderland’s away form and goal output remain concerns, yet the squad looks increasingly confident and better stocked. A predicted drop-off based on early-season numbers has not materialised, with players improving and Régis Le Bris gaining attacking options, from Nordi Mukiele overlapping at right back to Enzo Le Fée moving infield, Brian Brobbey leading the line and Habib Diarra breaking into the box. They are relying less on set pieces and second phases as the campaign develops.

That evolution showed in the finishes, from Brian Brobbey’s first-time touch for the opener to Enzo Le Fée’s floated pass to Nordi Mukiele for the second, then Chemsdine Talbi’s decisive third.

Brobbey was outstanding as a focal point, and the only thing missing was a goal. He dominated Maxime Esteve, showed strength, pace and selflessness, looks a bargain and is surely playing his way into World Cup contention.

Le Bris kept faith with Trai Hume despite the West Ham defeat, with Lutsharel Geertruida’s transfer talks around preparation likely ending any switch. Hume repaid that call, and his presence allowed Mukiele to attack with protection.

The next two league fixtures are as tough as they come, but this side appears to be trending upwards.

Source: Sunderland Echo