Sunderland beat Eredivisie leaders AZ Alkmaar 1-0 on Wednesday evening to begin their Europa League campaign with a win.
Sunderland beat Eredivisie leaders AZ Alkmaar 1-0 in their first Europa League game of the campaign on Wednesday evening courtesy of an Enzo Le Fee penalty.
Granit Xhaka told Sunderland fans to bring the noise, and the near 50,000 Black Cats fans inside the Stadium of Light certainly obliged, with a ship-building heritage-themed tifo setting the tone for a wholehearted display.
Dutch top flight outfit AZ Alkmaar began the tie the better of the two sides and showed their technical quality throughout the evening, but the gusto and dynamism of Sunderland managed to prevail.
Both sides pushed for the opener, which came on the 66-minute mark when Le Fee netted Sunderland’s first-ever Europa League goal from the 12-yard spot.
The evening was a momentous occasion and tremendous showcase of Sunderland's mettle, but upon reflection, the result will bode well for some lessons learned for Regis Le Bris and his Black Cats side in the Europa League curtain-raiser.
Three Things We Learned As Sunderland Beat AZ Alkmaar 1-0
Enzo Le Fee Shows Quality And Bravery
Le Fee made an almost costly error in possession early in the first half, with the following opportunity squandered by Alkmaar to see the French playmaker breathe a monumental sigh of relief.
However, in great credit to the Sunderland maestro, he atoned for his mistake with aplomb with his outstanding performance.
Le Fee went on to hit the Alkmaar post following a free-flowing move, but would find the net in the second-half with a composed spot-kick.
Following his missed penalty in Sunderland’s 2-0 defeat to Arsenal at the weekend, Le Fee showed brilliance and bravery by dispatching the penalty in the same corner that Gunners goalkeeper David Raya tipped onto the post on Saturday evening.
It was an unusually raw celebration from the Frenchman, and it was warranted for his composed penalty that sent the Stadium of Light stands into pandemonium, and his overall pivotal performance, in which he created the joint-most chances (four) and had the most touches in the opposition box (eight).
Enzo Le Fee scores the opener for Sunderland against AZ Alkmaar (REUTERS)Black Cats Outplayed At Times, But Never Outfought
Sunderland matched it throughout the evening, but Alkmaar were a sight to behold in possession, showcasing composure and technical brilliance yet were missing the cutting edge.
The Eredivisie leaders were organised, threatening and confident, but thankfully Sunderland stood tall and also created several quality openings themselves.
For Le Bris and his Black Cats side, this will be a lesson in the rigours and quality that the Europa League will bring, and how to deal with them effectively.
Sunderland defenders scramble against AZ Alkmaar attacker Kees Smit (REUTERS)Robin Roefs Saves Points For Sunderland
Le Fee aside, Robin Roefs was another standout performer for Sunderland, with the Dutch goalkeeper called into action late in the second-half to keep the Black Cats in front.
Roefs made a fantastic save early in the first 45’, and matched it in the final stages with a stunningly brave stop from close range, which brought rightful acclaim from his teammates and the Sunderland faithful behind his goal.
Robin Roefs saves shot from AZ Alkmaar's Ro-Zangelo Daal (Action Images via Reuters)The Sunderland shot-stopper did not face a barrage of shots from the Alkmaar attackers, but in typical fashion of an elite goalkeeper, he made the difference for his defence when called upon.
Overall, the victory was an encapsulation of everything Le Bris’ Sunderland side showcase; defensive grit, a true team spirit, with moments of quality sprinkled but the occasional wasted opportunity in front of goal.
Sunderland should have scored more than Le Fee’s penalty, but all that matters at the end of the evening is the memorable occasion, and the three points.
