Sunderland 2-2 Marseille: Key player returns to form, determined comeback, and positive indicators for supporters…

Sunderland drew 2-2 against Marseille, with their key player returning to form, showing a spirited fightback, and providing encouraging signs for fans.

Sunderland wrapped up their pre-season schedule with a friendly match against Marseille, resulting in a 2-2 draw.

The Black Cats demonstrated resilience by equalizing twice, with goals from Dennis Cirkin and substitute Adil Aouchiche. Below are the highlights of the match and significant points of interest from Sunderland’s perspective.

As anticipated, Regis Le Bris fielded a robust lineup, making it unlikely that there will be any alterations for the upcoming match against Cardiff City next Saturday.

While a new signing could potentially influence the squad selection before then, concerns about match fitness would still need to be addressed.

Aji Alese’s inclusion provided a much-needed boost after his recent injury scare at Blackpool, with Eliezer Mayenda and Alan Browne also making the cut.

However, Ian Poveda, despite traveling with the team, did not secure a spot in the squad as he continues to work on reaching the required fitness level after joining the pre-season programme late.

Sunderland established their defensive strategy early on.

Roberto De Zerbi’s Marseille initiated their play from the back right from the start of the game, prompting Sunderland to press aggressively under Regis Le Bris.

The team’s forward line and midfield were quick to close down Marseille’s back line during goal kicks, resulting in some promising chances in the early stages of the match.

Roberts, who was active throughout the first half, set up Jobe in a dangerous position on the edge of the box. While the option to pass to Clarke was available, Jobe opted to take a shot with his weaker foot, which was easily saved by Ruben Blanco.

Roberts later created a shooting opportunity for himself inside the box, but unfortunately, he fired the ball over the crossbar.

Marseille also had their opportunities, as their calculated risk-taking led to chances for Kondogbia and Harit. Unfortunately, both players failed to find the target in what was a fast-paced match in the early stages.

BLACK CATS SHOW PROMISE – BUT A SINGLE MISTAKE PROVES COSTLY.

Sunderland’s aggressive pressing continued to yield positive results, with Roberts narrowly missing the goal with a well-taken free kick after Hume was fouled 25 yards from the target to prevent a counterattack.

Hume later attempted a long-range shot that sailed over the bar after Neil intercepted the ball in midfield and initiated a quick offensive.

The Black Cats were slightly edging the contest, but they were harshly punished when Neil lost possession in midfield. Marseille capitalized on this, launching a swift and precise counterattack.

They found Moumbagna on the overlap, and his composed finish into the far corner left Patterson with no opportunity to respond.

As the first half drew to a close, both teams exchanged opportunities, with Roberts coming particularly close after a brilliant play by Neil, who delivered the ball to him at the edge of the penalty area.

The winger skillfully cut inside to take a shot, but his attempt narrowly missed the far post. Just moments earlier, Sunderland had relied on Patterson, whose timely intervention prevented Moumbagna from rounding the goalkeeper and potentially increasing his goal tally.

Although Sunderland found themselves trailing and had been challenged by a strong Marseille team, they demonstrated flashes of potential throughout the match.

A STRONG START TO THE SECOND HALF YIELDS RESULTS – UNTIL MARSEILLE RESPONDS

Sunderland maintained their aggressive pressing at the beginning of the second half, and with a touch more precision in the attacking phase, they quickly converted their positive momentum into a goal.

The play was initiated by Neil, who skillfully evaded his defender to locate Roberts in a favorable position on the right flank. Roberts delivered a perfectly placed cross, allowing Dennis Cirkin to leap above the defense and head the ball past the goalkeeper.

Sunderland aimed to capitalize on their advantage but were unfortunate not to extend their lead. Browne’s attempt was deflected wide after Jobe skillfully evaded his defender near the byline.

Roberts then forced an exceptional save from Blanco, who managed to tip the curling shot from the edge of the box around the post. Following the corner, Cirkin had a favorable opportunity, but a slightly misjudged connection prevented him from adding to his score.

Despite Sunderland’s dominance, they were caught off guard when Trai Hume lost the ball. Ismael Kone, a half-time substitute recently acquired from Watford, made a strong run into the box and delivered a superb shot that eluded Patterson’s reach.

This goal came as a surprise given Sunderland’s control of the match, highlighting the unpredictable nature of football.

Sunderland’s determination eventually bore fruit. They came agonizingly close to equalizing when Jack Clarke’s impressive footwork created a shooting chance; his shot beat the goalkeeper but struck the far post.

Fortunately for Sunderland, Anthony Patterson made two remarkable reflex saves in quick succession, keeping them in contention. With less than ten minutes remaining, a series of substitutions by Le Bris proved effective, bringing Sunderland level.

Hume delivered a lofted pass into a dangerous area, where Nazariy Rusyn outplayed the goalkeeper to draw a foul. Adil Aouchiche, the substitute, skillfully deceived the goalkeeper to equalize the scores.

Sunderland missed a chance to win it, with Hjelde heading straight at the goalkeeper from close range when meeting an unmarked cross.

The pre-season ended on a high note with a strong finish. The team’s performance on opening day will surely boost Sunderland’s confidence as they head to South Wales.

They showed great competitiveness against a tough opponent and, most importantly, impressed fans by creating numerous chances and consistently getting players into the box.

Sunderland’s starting lineup included: Patterson; Hume, O’Nien, Alese, Cirkin (Hjelde, 82); Neil, Browne (Rigg, 72); Roberts (Ba, 79), Jobe (Aouchiche, 79), Clarke (Mundle, 72); Mayenda (Rusyn, 79).