With Chuba Akpom leaving to Holland and key loanees such as Cameron Archer, Aaron Ramsey, and Ryan Giles returning to their respective clubs, the impact of Middlesbrough losing so many talents in the summer has naturally been overstated.
Sunderland, on the other hand, had to deal with a couple of high-profile departures.
In the most recent Wear-Tees derby, the Black Cats defeated Boro at the Stadium of Light, with two goals from Ross Stewart and Amad Diallo. When fit, the former could be said to be the Championship’s best striker, while Manchester United loanee Diallo was unplayable at times last season.
Despite the fact that Stewart joined Southampton on deadline day and Diallo returned to Old Trafford, Mowbray recently stated that Sunderland are a better team this season.
Such a claim is supported by performance and results. Sunderland head into the game against Boro full of confidence, having won five of their past six games and knowing they’ll finish in the top six whatever of today’s result.
So, how has Mowbray inspired more growth on Wearside despite exceeding expectations last season and losing two key players in the summer?
“Trai Hume didn’t start when I was here. I remember him coming in and asking if he was going to get an opportunity. Now he looks a real high quality footballer. He’s not the only one. Ballard was injured when I was here.
“Ross Stewart only played seven games for me so I can’t sit here and say he was unbelievable, I only saw him play seven times, so it’s not as if I miss him loads because I never had him.”
Sunderland finished in the top six last season despite being plagued by a struggle to win games at home. This season, since losing to Ipswich on the opening day at the Stadium of Light, they’ve won three from four on home turf. But Mowbray isn’t getting carried away:
He said: Every game is tough. Down the line we are going to lose games at home, but I’m happy that the team are all contributing with goals, it’s something we talked long and hard about.”ng to come together for them.”
“I just think our team is more experienced,” remarked the head coach.
“They understand the demands of what’s put on them, the recruitment of players like Bellingham, which gives us flexibility to play different ways, Ekwah has grown into the football club, O’Nien, we’ve secured a place and position for him where he excels, Clarke has grown, Roberts has grown, and many of the footballers have the confidence and belief now to know they can compete in the league because of the games they’ve played in this division.”
“Trai Hume did not begin when I was here. I recall him coming in and asking if he was going to have a chance. He now appears to be a very good footballer. He is not alone in this. When I arrived, Ballard was injured.
“Ross Stewart only played seven games for me so I can’t sit here and say he was unbelievable, I only saw him play seven times, so it’s not as if I miss him loads because I never had him.”
Sunderland finished in the top six last season despite struggling to win games at home.
Since losing to Ipswich on the opening day of the season at the Stadium of Light, they’ve won three of four at home. But Mowbray isn’t having any of it:
He stated, “Every game is difficult.” We will lose games at home in the future, but I am pleased that the entire team is contributing with goals; this is something we discussed extensively.”ng to come together for them.”
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