Sunderland interim boss Mike Dodds would have been especially pleased to see one of his players perform well against Leeds United.
During what is widely regarded as a very tough patch for Sunderland, they went to Leeds United on Tuesday night and left deserving of their point.
In fact, the Black Cats have now lost just one of their last five and have kept four clean sheets in those five as well.
Whilst their attacking game remains somewhat non-existent, Sunderland are definitely mending the defensive frailties that Michael Beale beheld upon the club.
Sunderland hold firm during 0-0 draw vs Leeds United
Sunderland lined up with a back-five against Leeds.
It was a formation change for Dodds, who changed from the usual 4-2-3-1 to a 5-2-2-1 formation, with Jack Clarke returning to the XI against his former club, and Jobe Bellingham the lone striker.
Callum Styles started at left wing-back and gave his best performance in a Sunderland shirt since arriving on loan from Barnsley.
Dan Neil was hailed by Dodds after the game for his standout performance, whilst Sunderland fans sung Chris Rigg’s name at full-time.
But many were impressed Frenchman Timothee Pembele on what was his first league start since arriving last summer.
Timothee Pembele makes full Sunderland debut
The former PSG man, 21, has endured an injury-riddled first season on Wearside.
But he made his first league start for the club against Leeds United, in what was his sixth Championship appearance of the season so far.
And he caught the eye, with many on social media saying that he had Leeds winger Crysencio Summerville in his pocket throughout the night.
Sunderland Echo gave him a 7/10 rating, with journalist Phil Smith adding:
“Could hardly have been handed a tough full debut and stuck to his task well. A little hesitant at times but showed some pace and intent going forward and battled well out of possession. A real platform to build on.”
Pembele had 30 touches of the ball vs Leeds and completed 8/13 passes (62% accuracy, as per Sofascore). He also made 4 defensive actions; 2 interceptions, 1 clearance and 1 tackle.
Mike Dodds showed one essence of Tony Mowbray vs Leeds
Sunderland have looked a lot like their former selves in the last two outings.
They really should’ve won the Bristol City game and few would’ve been surprised if they nicked a goal against Leeds on Tuesday.
And whilst a lack of a striker remains evident, Sunderland and Dodds showed against Leeds that they’re still a side who can really threaten teams in the Championship, and top teams too.
Notably, Sunderland had danger and pace down the flanks in Pembele and Styles.
Sunderland under Tony Mowbray were often found bombing down the wings and then cutting inside, though we’ve not seen that all too much in 2024.
Against Leeds though, Sunderland looked as though they rediscovered their threat on the flanks, with Pembele certainly impressing, especially doing his defensive duties.
He looks like a very well-rounded player and he brings a lot of energy to the team too; something that’s been missing in recent weeks.
The ex-PSG man looks like he could now enjoy a string of starts with four games of the season left.