Phil Smith: Sunderland end US tour with win as Brobbey shines and Sadiki impresses | OneFootball

Sunderland rounded off their US tour with a 1-0 win over Wrexham in Philadelphia. The performance felt reassuring at a stage when results matter little.

Nordi Mukiele scored and, before mass changes on the hour, Romaine Mundle, Nilson Angulo and Trai Hume all missed clear openings. In gruelling heat Sunderland controlled the ball and looked able to accelerate when required, Brian Brobbey outstanding even without Enzo Le Fée, who was rested with a minor knock.

Wrexham were stronger over the final half hour with a more experienced XI and on another day might have levelled, though the game should have been settled by then. The Welsh side are second tier and their league season starts against Middlesbrough on Friday.

The only downside was injuries, with Mukiele and Simon Adingra both seemingly picking up knocks.

Noah Sadiki impressed in a disciplined holding role while Granit Xhaka remains absent ahead of training this week. He recovered possession, built from deep and still broke forward, matching his aim to add more goal contributions.

The foundations look strong and Sunderland are targeting at least three signings to lift competition. Familiarity showed in Brobbey’s hold-up, Hume’s positioning and Mukiele’s timed run. World Cup players return this week.

Anthony Patterson’s first pre-season outing was tidy, with sharp handling and a late sprint from his line. It may prove a farewell cameo, as he wants regular football and an SCR-friendly sale suits the club, so this is unlikely to alter his future. This will not define the Ipswich Town opener, but the direction is positive.

Source: Sunderland Echo

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