In a Premier League encounter that promised much but delivered a tactical chess match, Sunderland and Nottingham Forest played out a goalless draw at...
In a Premier League encounter that promised much but delivered a tactical chess match, Sunderland and Nottingham Forest played out a goalless draw at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday evening. The home side, under the guidance of Regis Le Bris, sought to impose their ideas on the game from the opening whistle, but they found a Forest side that has grown increasingly resilient and mentally tough under the tutelage of Nuno Espirito Santo. Le Bris, speaking to GoalZaza after the match, reflected on his team’s recent 4-3 defeat at Aston Villa. He admitted that while his side tried to impose their philosophies, Villa’s quality told in the end. He described that contest as a tight affair where his men had opportunities to claim victory. When asked about Sunderland’s European aspirations, the Frenchman was measured, stating that the most important thing is to win matches and that the first step is to be strong at home. He acknowledged that the middle of the table is tightly contested and that if you do not win, you cannot expect anything in the scheme of things. Nottingham Forest, who have been one of the form sides in the division, came into this fixture with a clear plan. Le Bris praised their consistency, noting that they have been more stable both mentally and tactically. He remarked that with more time to work on the training ground, the players now understand exactly what is required of them. The decision to field both Igor Jesus and the Nigerian international, Chris Wood, together was a bold one, but Le Bris explained that the team needs to score goals and both players work diligently defensively, allowing him to deploy them in tandem. At the end of the day, neither side could claim the lion’s share of the points. Forest will feel they gave a good account of themselves, particularly in the second half when they pressed high and forced Sunderland into several errors. The hosts, for their part, will be disappointed not to have converted a few half chances that came their way. The powers that be at the Stadium of Light will look at this result as a point gained rather than two lost, given the quality of the opposition. In Lagos, at the popular Viewing Centre in Surulere, fans were on the edge of their seats throughout the second half. When Chris Wood rose to meet a cross in the 78th minute, only to head wide, a collective groan went up from the crowd. Many of them had come specifically to see the Super Eagles striker, and they were not shy to shout instructions at the screen. A group of young men in Manchester United jerseys, who had come for the later match, argued loudly about whether Le Bris should have introduced a more attack-minded substitute. As the final whistle blew, the general consensus was that a draw was a fair result, but the conversation quickly turned to how Forest can maintain this form and challenge for a top half finish.
