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Phil Smith: Key Takeaways as Sunderland Edge Nottingham Forest in Gritty 1-0 Victory
Sunderland’s dream start to the Premier League season rolled on with a hard-fought 1-0 triumph over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. The Black Cats showcased resilience, discipline, and just enough cutting edge to claim all three points. Reporting from the ground, Phil Smith of *The Echo* outlined his main conclusions.
Fortune Smiles, but Sunderland Make Their Own Luck
On another day, the outcome might have swung the other way. Sunderland’s winner came from a foul that would not always be given, and Forest striker Chris Wood uncharacteristically wasted the kind of aerial chances he usually buries. Yet while the margins fell in Sunderland’s favour, their overall defensive structure and work rate made the victory anything but a fluke.
Le Bris’s men limited Forest to mostly speculative efforts, with only a couple of truly clear opportunities falling the hosts’ way. Even Ange Postecoglou’s claim that Forest “should have won comfortably” doesn’t quite hold up—Sunderland had their own dangerous moments through Alderete and Wilson Isidor before growing stronger in the closing stages thanks to smart substitutions.
Expected goals (Forest 1.65, Sunderland 1.19) highlight how tight the contest really was.
Defensive Solidity is No Accident
Sunderland’s defensive set-up has been the cornerstone of their impressive start. Keeper Robin Roefs produced another assured display, justifying the club’s decision to snap up a young stopper with outstanding numbers last season. Meanwhile, Alderete has slotted in seamlessly, replicating the form that made him such a reliable figure at Getafe.
This consistency has given Sunderland a platform to compete with more established sides, even when their attacking play hasn’t quite clicked.
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#### **Room to Improve in Possession**
Le Bris praised his side post-match but was quick to stress the need for further growth. Sunderland’s ball retention remains a weakness. Forest often sat back before springing into a mid-block, catching the Black Cats out too often. That not only invited pressure but prevented Sunderland from controlling tempo and conserving energy.
Fatigue crept in late on as misplaced passes and miscued clearances appeared, underlining an area Sunderland must sharpen if they want to sustain their form.
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#### **Squad Depth Beginning to Show**
Encouragingly, Sunderland now have genuine options. Lutsharel Geertruida, deployed in a more natural defensive role, grew into the match and even threatened with a driving run late on. Brobbey showed flashes of involvement, Traoré brought composure, and unused substitute Eliezer Mayenda highlighted the depth now available to Le Bris. Compared to last season, the Black Cats have a far more balanced squad.
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#### **Xhaka the Standout**
Granit Xhaka delivered his finest Sunderland performance yet. Commanding in midfield, he dictated tempo, disrupted play when needed, won aerial battles, and provided yet another decisive assist. His influence continues to underline why fans dared to believe his arrival could be transformative.
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### **Verdict**
Sunderland may not dominate every metric, but they are proving difficult to break down and ruthless in key moments. Their mix of structure, smart recruitment, and humility under Régis Le Bris is paying off—and even tougher tests ahead will not intimidate a side showing this much maturity.
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