Sunderland 1-0 Middlesbrough
by Roger Domeneghetti
at Stadium of Light

IS IT TOO early to read the runes after just six games, to determine narratives for the season, to book the open top bus?

Probably. Yet, Sunderland, tactically astute, disciplined in defence, vibrant in attack, already look like a team who will be knocking on the door of the Premier League come May.

Last weekend’s defeat to Plymouth (or “Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth” as the south-coast club seem to have been rechristened) appears to have been a blip. An aberration already filed in the memory hole.

Victory in this Wear-Tees derby, courtesy of a cute back-heeled goal from 17-year-old Chris Rigg, was a much easier day at the office than last season’s humiliating 4-0 reverse. It took Regis Le Bris’ team back to the top of the table, albeit only briefly, after West Brom’s win later in the day.

Middlesbrough, on the other hand, are trapped in some sort of time loop. Dominate possession. Create most chances. Fail to capitalise. Repeat.

All three of their wins so far this season in League and cup have come in games where their opponents had less possession and Le Bris has clearly been paying attention.

Surprisingly, his team dispensed with the high press that has been their calling card this season. Instead, they sat off, allowing Boro to have the ball, to ask the questions and then hitting them in the transition, punch their soft underbelly.

It nearly backfired after just five minutes. Boro worked the ball well through Emmanuel Latte Lath, Tommy Conway and Isaiah Jones, whose chip into the area found Conway arriving at pace, but his header, agonisingly, hit the bar. It was the high point for the visitors.

Fifteen minutes later, Sunderland’s gameplan paid off. Luke Ayling sloppy in possession, gave the ball away. Patrick Roberts’ cross took an unlucky bounce off George Edmundson, effectively taking keeper Seny Dieng out of the game. However, with the ball heading away from goal, it looked like the danger had gone.

Up stepped Chris Rigg, still too young to buy a pint but full of the impetuousness of youth. His back to goal, he calmly but audaciously back-heeled home from the tightest of angles.

Cue delirium. From there the game was quite pedestrian. Sunderland continued to concede possession, but their guests looked increasingly bereft of ideas. Unless they can change the narrative, it looks like it will be a long season. Sunderland, however, look like a team on the up.