Eliezer Mayenda scored his second brace against Sheffield Wednesday this season as the Black Cats won despite two contentious moments.
That keeps their faint automatic hopes alive, which is a word that can also be used to describe the Owls’ aspirations of a top-six finish. They may potentially be nine points adrift of a Play-Off time following the games later today.
Alterations
The Sunderland boss has faced criticism for his substitutions in recent weeks, notably in the Elland Road defeat a couple of weeks ago, but it was his selection from the start in South Yorkshire that raised eyebrows.
Enzo Le Fée was always going to be absent after suffering a hamstring injury last Saturday against Hull, with an expected return date in April. Jobe Bellingham moved further forward at the expense of the Roma loanee, with Alan Browne his replacement. He returned to the starting eleven for the first time since suffering a leg fracture back in November.
Mayenda was handed a start at the expense of top scorer Wilson Isidor, but it was a decision justified as he scored for the fifth time against an opponent from Sheffield this term, making up 83% of his goals.
Two Key First Half Moments
Wednesday have now lost all seven meetings against the top four by an aggregate scoreline of 18-1, but they should have had the chance to end that barren streak just nine minutes into the contest. There were no appeals by the home supporters or players as the ball struck the outstretched arm of Leo Hjelde inside the area, but replays clearly showed that the Owls should have been awarded a spot kick.
Controversy struck again for the Black Cats opener. There was a huge element of fortune all round, as Mayenda raced onto Hjelde’s long ball forward that left Max Lowe scrambling. But the Spanish forward controlled the ball with his arm before he played the ball off the unfortunate Lowe, over James Beadle and into the net.
Costly Home Record
The Owls have a bottom-four home record, winning just five league games at Hillsborough. There was a second-half reprieve when Svante Ingelsson delivered for Callum Paterson to beat his namesake Anthony, who was left stranded with another indecisive moment.
But he was bailed out by Mayenda, who powered home the eventual winner with twenty minutes to play. Trai Hume provided the pinpoint delivery for the Spanish forward to move Sunderland within five points of the top two.
Writer’s View
On the balance of play, Sunderland deserved the three points, but there were huge questions about the refereeing decisions. The potential penalty wasn’t picked up by anyone inside Hillsborough, which perhaps strengthens calls for VAR in England’s second tier. Regardless, the ease with which Sunderland were able to score both their goals will massively frustrate Danny Röhl with their campaign all but over now.
