Phil Smith on Sunderland's 5-1 return and key pre-season takeaways | OneFootball

Sunderland opened pre-season with a 5-1 win at League Two York City, an assertive first half paving the way.

According to Sunderland Echo, Le Bris picked an experienced XI and they surged 4-0 ahead before mainly academy players featured after the break. York were tidy and threatening, yet Sunderland defended the box and finished with polish.

Pre-season can mislead, only three who started at South Shield last summer began the opener. With twelve World Cup players still absent, it is possible only a similar number of this XI start against Ipswich Town on August 22nd. Chris Rigg, Luke O’Nien, Nordi Mukiele and Enzo Le Fee looked ready.

The next generation showed promise. Charlie Dinsdale drove past his full back, Tom Proctor took his goal well, and Finn Geragusian’s hold-up play troubled York. Timur Tutierov, likely to leave this summer, excelled, while Trey Ogunsuyi impressed and another loan seems sensible.

Le Fee’s cameo sparkled, two first-time finishes, a backheel to release Rigg and a chip after a delayed pass left him offside. He looks fitter, more comfortable and more confident, possibly the most important player heading into the campaign.

It seems unlikely at this stage, though not certain, that returning loanees Alan Browne and Jenson Seelt play major roles. Browne was neat at the base of midfield and Seelt made key interventions, and even if they move on this start should help, with both expected to travel to the US next week.

Source: Sunderland Echo