(Credit: Imago)
(Credit: Imago)
Match

Mayenda is finished – Three things learned from Sunderland defeat v Hull

Jack Dawson
Jack Dawson

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

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Sunderland suffered a 2-1 defeat against Hull City on Tuesday as the start of the Premier League quickly approaches. 

Regis Le Bris had another chance to see his new stars in action at the MKM Stadium, with the start of the new campaign now mere weeks away. 

While the Black Cats did get off to an excellent start thanks to Simon Adingra’s early goal, Nathan Tinsdale quickly equalised for the hosts.

Abu Kamara then got the winner for Hull in the second half in another friendly tie to quickly forget.

Now, Macken News has analysed three things that we have learned from the tie. 

Simon Adingra playing for Sunderland
Simon Adingra netted Sunderland's only goal against Hull (Credit: Imago)

Sunderland in dire need of defensive reinforcements 

One of the biggest concerns for Sunderland heading into the new Premier League campaign is the defence. 

Despite all of the summer spending to date, the backline is yet to be improved, and confidence will not have improved after Tuesday’s match. 

Both of Hull’s goals were far too easy against a Championship outfit. 

On top of this, the backline appeared shaky multiple times throughout the match.

These mistakes will be punished further in the Premier League, and Le Bris has to target defensive additions before the transfer window ends.

Granit Xhaka Sunderland
Granit Xhaka looks set to be added to Sunderland's midfield options (Credit: Imago)

Sunderland’s midfield is Premier League-ready 

While there were many concerns about Sunderland’s performance against Hull, a major positive was the midfield. 

Stars such as Habib Diarra looked solid and oozed class whenever they were on the ball. 

With Granit Xhaka set to be added to Sunderland’s squad, the midfield is no doubt ready for the Premier League. 

Le Bris deserves credit for his transfers in this area to quickly improve the quality in the centre. 

Le Bris may need to add a striker to Sunderland's squad before the transfer window is out (Credit: Imago)
Le Bris may need to add a striker to Sunderland's squad before the transfer window is out (Credit: Imago)

Eliezer Mayenda will not cut it in the Premier League 

Eliezer Mayenda started up top for Sunderland against Hull. However, the attacker struggled to make his mark. 

The 20-year-old has yet to make a meaningful impact up top in any of Sunderland’s friendlies, despite the level of some of the opponents, with the Hull performance being one of many lacklustre displays.

While Mayenda was highly important in the Black Cats’ promotion campaign, pre-season has suggested that he won’t be able to make the step up to the Premier League. 

Therefore, Le Bris may also have to target a striker before the transfer window is out. 

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Eliezer Mayenda
Habib Diarra
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