Newly promoted Sunderland held their weight against continental competition, earning a point away at Crystal Palace by grinding out a 0-0 draw.
As I alluded to in The Momentum Preview, both sides like to sit back and play on the counter-attack. Sunderland assumed that role in the match, finishing with 44% possession while allowing 14 Palace shots, six of which on target and requiring attention from the Dutch shot-stopper Robin Roefs, of whom made spectacular save after save, denying the home side a chance at three points, and claiming Man of the Match.
A simply sensational performance 🔥 pic.twitter.com/adxit4mHpq
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) September 14, 2025
Yeremi Pino was the most dangerous of the Eagles’ attacking force, narrowly missing two gilt-edged chances to score in the first half. Sunderland mustered a few chances, through Chemsdine Talbi and Habib Diarra, but neither really tested Dean Henderson in the Palace net.
The match came to a close at 0-0, after a dramatic double save from Roefs denied Uche and Kamada.
Match Ratings
Robin Roefs - 10/10
As I’ve already alluded to, Robin Roefs had a perfect game in net for Sunderland, making six saves, including a mind-boggling double save in the 88th minute. His £9 million price tag seems more ludicrous as each game goes by. Outstanding business for an outstanding player.
Reinildo Mandava - 7/10
Speaking of outstanding business, Reinildo quite frankly has no business being a Sunderland player, and if you told me he’d be our starting left-back even a year ago I would call you crazy. Defensively consistent, progressive with the ball at his feet, creative when he joins the attack. Great performance.
Omar Alderete - 7/10
You might be picking up a theme here amongst the defensive unit, a clean sheet away at a European side does tend to read well for a defender, and Alderete fits the bill. Three clearances, five recoveries, five duels won.
Nordi Mukiele - 8/10
Tasked with keeping immense striker Jean-Phillippe Mateta silent, mission accomplished. Seven clearances and completing both of his tackle attempts to boot.
Trai Hume - 8/10
One of the last few remaining players in the Premier League lineup who played in League One, the captain of Northern Ireland continues to prove he belongs in the big time. I sincerely hope his recent contract extension doesn't have a release clause.
Noah Sadiki - 7/10
Fighting through the first half knock he picked up, Sadiki was the anchor in the midfield making seven defensive contributions, meanwhile showing solid glimpses in his progression up the field by completing both of his dribbles and two passes into the final third.
Granit Xhaka - 8/10
Another classy performance from the club captain. Xhaka won an almighty ten duels, the most out of any player in the match. Not to mention his 41 completed passes and a chance created.
Habib Diarra - 6/10
Slightly harsh from me, but for the most part, the further up the park we go, the lower the ratings will be in this ranking. Diarra just didn't contribute as much as the other midfielders, and missing one of our few attempts on goal didn't help his case either.
Simon Adingra - 7/10
I was surprised when Adingra was dropped to the bench for the Brentford game, even if we won in the end, so was nice to see him reinstated. Adingra was our best creative outlet against Palace, two successful dribbles and a chance created kept the Palace defence honest, even if not necessarily challenged.
Chemsdine Talbi - 6/10
Talbi took our only shot on goal of the match, albeit only to be blocked. Otherwise, not much to say for Talbi, becoming a somewhat worrying theme. He created a single chance for his teammates, but he created nothing off of the dribble, a stark contrast to who used to occupy that position for us in Patrick Roberts.
Wilson Isidor - 6/10
Haiti’s new striker absolutely deserved the start against Palace, and his profile as a striker did seem more suited for the gameplan compared to Mayenda, while Brobbey builds match fitness. Two shots off target with another blocked for Isidor, not great but the service to him wasn’t screaming out for a goal either.
Substitutes
Brian Brobbey - 6/10: The deadline day signing had a solid but not spectacular 20-minute cameo, no shots but contributed defensively at the end of the match.
Sunderland debuts for Brian Brobbey and Lutsharel Geertruida yesterday âś…đź‘Ź pic.twitter.com/mYj1OH7lwO
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) September 14, 2025
Lutsharel Geertruida - N/A: Only five minutes played for debutant Geertruida, coming on in the midfield, further adding to his versatility.
Chris Rigg - N/A: Only one minute on the park for Riggy, his time will come.
Who’s next?
Sunderland hosts Aston Villa at the Stadium of Light this Sunday on the untelevised 2pm kick-off, where another defensively solid performance will be needed.
