Shay Given blown away by ‘phenomenal’ Sunderland footage in Crystal Palace draw
Sunderland picked up their first away point of the season against Crystal Palace.
Sunderland‘s home form has been superb so far this season, but there has still been a heavy emphasis on the Black Cats picking up some points away from home.
On Saturday, they achieved that, with Sunderland holding Crystal Palace to a 0-0 draw at Selhurst Park, and matching them for large parts of the game.
However, to avoid leaving empty-handed, Sunderland had to dig deep defensively, and Shay Given was left astounded by footage from the dying minutes of the clash.
Robin Roefs earns his plaudits vs Crystal Palace
Robin Roefs has impressed massively since joining Sunderland in the summer, and for a reported £11million fee, it seems like they have got an absolute bargain.
The Dutch international had to be at his best at Selhurst Park, and he certainly was, with six saves made throughout the clash, and 1.36 goals prevented according to Sofascore.
However, Roefs‘ performance had a bit of everything to it, from distraction to cross claiming, ensuring that Sunderland got their reward in the end.
- 6 saves
- 2 high claims
- 4 saves inside the box
- 74% pass accuracy
- 1.36 goals prevented
With that said, it was a save late in the second half from Jean-Philippe Mateta that caught the attention of Given, who was full of praise for the reactions on show from the 22-year-old.
Via Match of the Day on 14 September, Given said: “The Roef is on fire. He’s had a brilliant game, he really has.
“They brought this guy in, and there’s a replay on that because he’s actually lifted his shoulder to make a block on Mateta, it’s a phenomenal save.”
- Read more: Regis Le Bris confirms exactly why Enzo Le Fee was left out for Sunderland’s clash vs Crystal Palace
Sunderland have hit the jackpot with Robin Roefs
At the time, there was disappointment at the fact that Sunderland missed out on Marcin Bulka and Djordje Petrovic, though those feelings have been demolished by what Roefs has done in just four games.
The Dutchman has made 13 saves in the Premier League, with a save percentage of 81 per cent.
Not only that, but Roefs has prevented 1.76 goals so far in the league, showcasing just how crucial he has been to their start of the campaign.
There is a long, long way to go yet, but if Sunderland avoid the drop at the end of the season, Roefs will have played a significant role in that.
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