Sunderland’s Premiership opponents may have thought they had a good idea of how to stop the team for the up coming season. ‘Watch Bent and don’t let him get free in the box,’ they would no doubt tell their defenders, weary of his goal scoring threat. But following the 4-2 victory over Hull in Albufeira on Saturday, the Premiership may just have another player to worry about.
Fraizer Campbell struggled at first to find his feet with Sunderland, but he eventually began to excel later in the season as he was deployed on the right wing. Following on from his four goal haul at the weekend, the 22 year old has now given boss Steve Bruce plenty of food for thought for the upcoming season as the former Man Utd player may be able to break the once concrete partnership of Darren Bent and Kenwyne Jones.
Campbell started the match against Hull, a team he once represented, in his more natural position as a striker. It did not take him long to find his finishing boots either as he scored all four of the team’s goals within the first half, effectively winning the match by the interval.
Despite some controversial refereeing decisions which made the World Cup look well officiated, Sunderland managed to run out as comfortable winners against their Championship opponents. It was their first really dominant display of pre-season and has helped settle some nerves that were beginning to jangle following less than impressive games against Darlington and Brighton & Hove Albion.
Campbell was helped along in his domination by winger Steed Malbranque, the Frenchman set up three of Campbell’s four goals as both players continued their good form from the end of last season into the start of the new one.
There was also cause for celebration as Marcos Angeleri made his debut for the side. Slotting in at right back he looked assured on the ball and after the match Bruce remarked that he was “one of the right full-backs in South America.”
Playing just ahead of him was the Egyptian international Ahmed Al-Muhammadi, on loan for the season from ENPPI. Al-Muhammadi is said to have c
aught the eye of the team since his arrival with his direct running and exciting style of play making him the ideal player for Sunderland, possessing all the traits they have needed in a winger recently.
With the right hand side of the team possibly fixed, it is now time for Bruce to concentrate on the left side. Phil Bardsley slotted in at left back for the Hull match back but lacks the all round ability of a Premiership player.
The Times have reported today that Taye Taiwo is back on the Sunderland radar but he may still have his sights set on a European club, as he did when we enquired last year, should the Nigerian international wish to make the jump from Marseille to the Premiership.
* Fraizer Campbell picture from England U21 v Slovenia U21 uploaded by benraineyfc from flickr.com and used with thanks.
** Picture of Taye Taiwo lining up to take a freekick uploaded by yogi_OM from flickr.com and used with thanks.
