Nordi Mukiele Deserves Plaudits For Immense Sunderland Outing In Chelsea Win - opinion

Sunderland beat Chelsea 2-1 on Sunday afternoon to end their remarkable top flight return campaign in seventh place, securing Europa League qualification for next season in the process under Regis Le Bris. 

For the first time in over half a century, European football nights will return to Wearside, courtesy of an exceptional Trai Hume volley in the first-half and an unfortunate own goal from Mali Gusto. 

Cole Palmer reduced the deficit for the Blues, who left the Stadium of Light with their mood matching their jerseys, but to no avail as the Sunderland defence stood firm as other results went the Black Cats’ way. 

Every starter and substitute played their part on Sunday, with Granit Xhaka and Enzo Le Fee typically outstanding, but it was defender Nordi Mukiele who set the tone to springboard Sunderland’s stunning victory. 

Mukiele arrived at Wearside from French giants PSG in a £12m deal last August, and has been one of the prominent figures in Sunderland’s season, making 32 Premier League appearances. 

The versatile defender has often featured at right-back and centre-half, notching three league goals and four assists in the process, but ended the campaign in the heart of defence. 

Against Chelsea, Mukiele continued his run at centre-back, and he was absolutely imperative to Sunderland’s Europa League clinching win. 

From minute one, Mukiele was a man possessed both in and out of possession. 

With the ball, he strode into deep pockets of Chelsea territory with an aura of confidence, harnessing the energy from the stands. 

Defensively, the Frenchman was equally outstanding, completing a staggering 12 defensive contributions to keep the probing Blues attack at bay. 

His aggression, physical prowess and intent to defend with every fibre of his being was a joy to behold, perfectly illustrating why the former Bayer Leverkusen man must be considered as one of the signings of the season by Sunderland. 

As if the Black Cats faithful could not appreciate Mukiele enough for his efforts this season, his heartfelt message to the supporters on social media only heightened his cult hero status. 

He wrote on Instagram: "Sunderland Fans, After all these years that have been so difficult for you and the club, seeing that today not only the players but the entire city of Sunderland has secured this magnificent ticket to Europe next season is a wonderful way to conclude our season. 

"You all deserve it without exception. See you all next season."

Considering he only arrived on Wearside only nine months ago, it is evident from his words in the wake of European qualification that Sunderland has got under his skin, and the feeling is mutual from the supporters.