‘Illegal’ – Richard Keys furious with what Nordi Mukiele did in Sunderland’s win vs Chelsea
Sunderland recorded a superb away win against Chelsea to send them into fourth place in the Premier League table.
Saturday’s 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge marked their best start to a top-flight season since 1968-1969.
Chemsdine Talbi’s 93rd-minute winner capped off a brilliant performance that showcased how the Black Cats have seamlessly adapted to life in the Premier League.
Nordi Mukiele has been outstanding for Sunderland, yet Richard Keys was not pleased with what he did in the build-up to the first goal.
Wilson Isidor’s goal should have been disallowed, Richard Keys claims
After Alejandro Garnacho opened the scoring for the hosts, Wilson Isidor scored his first away goal of the season after the ball fell to him from Mukiele’s long throw.
However, questions have been asked over whether the goal shouldn’t have stood, as Mukiele‘s back leg wasn’t planted on the ground when he took the throw-in.
Speaking on his blog, Keys was critical of the decision made by Andy Madley not to disallow the first goal.
He said: “Isidor’s equaliser should’ve been disallowed. Mukiele’s long throw was illegal. His back foot was off the ground when he released the ball. But who would expect the assistant, who was six metres away, to spot that? Anyway – well played, Sunderland. You made the most of it again.”
The Black Cats may count themselves lucky as it can be clearly seen that Mukiele’s left foot was slightly off the ground.
Sunderland felt aggrieved in their 2-0 loss to Man United when Stuart Atwell reversed his decision to award them a penalty for a foul on Trai Hume.
Throughout the season, they’ll be the victims and the beneficiaries of refereeing decisions, and thankfully for Mackem supporters, the latter took place on Saturday.
Sunderland have exceeded expectations under Regis Le Bris, and the supporters won’t care in the slightest about the controversy against Chelsea.
Sunderland’s efficiency from set-pieces has been excellent
After scoring from a long throw against Chelsea, it marks another moment in which Sunderland has benefited from their aerial presence.
Dan Ballard has been a huge threat in both boxes, scoring in the opening day win over West Ham.
Granit Xhaka’s crosses have been fantastic, allowing for Omar Alderete to head home in the 1-0 over Nottingham Forest.
There has been a constant trend throughout this season that dead-ball situations are more important than ever, with league leaders Arsenal dominating in every aspect.
Sunderland have also shown that their consistent success in making a chance out of nothing can lead to goals that will define their matches.
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