Chris Rigg sends message after what happened in Sunderland draw vs Aston Villa
Sunderland picked up another valuable point in difficult circumstances against Aston Villa.
Sunderland’s 1-1 draw with Aston Villa on Sunday isn’t the best result on paper given the visitors’ rough start to the season, but the nature of the point has certainly sparked even more optimism.
Despite going down to 10 men after Reinildo’s silly red card, the Black Cats clawed their way back into the game through Wilson Isidor.
However, Chris Rigg was the unfortunate victim of the big decision in the game, and has since revealed his frustration via social media.
Reinildo’s sending off prevented Chris Rigg from shining
Like many of those last season, Rigg has had gametime severely restricted because of the number of players brought in at Sunderland over the summer.
However, after a shock injury to Habib Diarra, the 18-year-old was handed his first-ever Premier League start against the Villans, though it was cut short.
Despite impressing in the first half hour, Rigg was the player sacrificed after Reinildo’s sending off, and his frustration was clear.
Rigg’s stats vs Villa
- 82% pass accuracy
- 1 chance created
- 1 successful dribble
- 67% duels won
- 1 tackle
The teenager, with his head down, walked off the pitch before kicking a water football towards his own dugout, and has since spoken about his disappointment on his Instagram account.
He said: “Not exactly what I was hoping for on my first Premier League start, however, these things happen and the lads dug very deep to get a very important point.
“The fans did more than enough to help us. Thank you for your support. Haway the lads.”
Sunderland have no need to worry over midfield depth
Granit Xhaka impressed again for Sunderland, as did Noah Sadiki, but the one concern has often been how the players in line to replace them would fare in the Premier League.
Albeit from a short sample size, Rigg did not look out of place against Aston Villa, and that is the biggest compliment you can give of someone at that age.
He was fearless and very early got himself an assist after he slipped Isidor through on goal in the opening stages.
His withdrawal on Sunday will hurt, but after his display, he will certainly get plenty of chances to showcase his ability in the Premier League.
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