Sunderland secured another notable victory in the Championship on Saturday.
Traveling to Portsmouth, Sunderland was buoyed by their deadline-day signings, with Kristjaan Speakman adding four new players to the squad. This match followed a strong start under Regis Le Bris, who had guided Sunderland to victories in all their Championship games without conceding a goal.
Despite losing their perfect defensive record due to an unfortunate own goal by Luke O’Nien, Sunderland continued their winning streak with a 3-1 victory at Fratton Park. Goals from Eliezer Mayenda and Romaine Mundle, along with the own goal, secured the win.
Among the standout performers, Chris Rigg particularly impressed. The 17-year-old delivered a solid performance both offensively and defensively, completing 21 accurate passes and winning four of 14 duels, including ten ground duels, the second-most of any player on the pitch. He also contributed with a clearance, a tackle, and a successful dribble.
Rigg’s playstyle aligns well with Le Bris’ tactics, showcasing not only his passing and dribbling abilities but also his readiness to engage in physical challenges. Despite his young age and smaller stature, Rigg’s willingness to tackle and compete in 50/50s highlights his readiness for the demands of modern midfield play.
With his impressive performances, Rigg’s potential continues to grow, and Sunderland appears poised for a promising season.
