Sunderland moments missed vs Liverpool: Kevin Keegan tribute, Nordi Mukiele scare and transfer clue | OneFootball

Sunderland stepped up pre-season against Liverpool in Nashville, eventually losing 4-2 after leading 2-1, as Régis Le Bris used the occasion to assess fitness, tactical work and selection clues.

According to Sunderland Echo, Le Bris went strong, handing first summer starts to Wilson Isidor, Dan Ballard and Romaine Mundle, with Ballard back after ankle surgery.

Isidor replaced Trey Ogunsuyi and Mundle returned after hamstring issues. Nordi Mukiele switched to right-back with Trai Hume on the wing. Jocelin Ta Bi missed out after a visa rejection, the appeal unresolved.

Liverpool’s XI included former Sunderland academy midfielder James McConnell. Harvey Elliott also started, loosely linked with Sunderland this summer, and after an Aston Villa loan his pre-season minutes offered supporters a closer look.

A tribute to Kevin Keegan preceded kick-off, applause around Geodis Park followed by an impeccably observed minute’s silence.

An early scare saw Mukiele caught by Kostas Tsimikas on the Achilles after six minutes, though the Frenchman recovered to continue.

Enzo Le Fée equalised before the break with a superb finish, having impressed throughout the first half and making it 1-1.

Le Bris changed every outfield player at half-time, leaving only Melker Ellborg on, and a youthful side took over. Simon Moore later replaced Ellborg.

Tutierov struck soon after the restart to put Sunderland 2-1 up, building on his York City goal and new contract. Liverpool’s experience told late on, with Federico Chiesa, Dominik Szoboszlai and Lewis Koumas turning it around against the youthful side.

Source: Sunderland Echo