Talking points: Sunderland continue to fight to make their case at Loftus Road

A fairly balanced game with eleven players each.

The game took on a completely different perspective after Jobe’s red card, but when the numbers leveled up, Sunderland looked capable of another win.

Queens Park Rangers cleared the ball well in the early stages and fell behind on a couple of occasions, suggesting they might still be able to pull away from the relegation zone, but there was a moment midway through the first half when it looked as if a goal had already been achieved. I’m going after the guys.

Wilson Isidore, Dan Neal and Trae Hume all came close and while it wasn’t great timing, it was still a surprise to see the team go to half-time without their usual goal.

Queens Park Rangers v Sunderland - Sky Bet Championship - MATRADE Loftus Road Stadium

Sunderland’s psychological strength shows

There have been a few people making positive comparisons of the current Sunderland team to the best performances of the Tony Mowbray era lately, but the clean sheet and draw at QPR suggest this latest team is a step above.

Some of the offensive performances played under Uncle Tony were great to watch, but the game could also be volatile and there was no guarantee of avoiding defeat in circumstances similar to yesterday.

The team have certainly developed and matured over the last couple of years and can now switch between the smooth play seen against Oxford United last week and the digging deep as seen in the closing stages at Loftus Road.

We become more complete and whole, and even when things don’t go according to plan, we can still get something out of it – a very useful trait.

Queens Park Rangers v Sunderland AFC - Sky Bet Championship

(Not) unsuccessful thirteenth championship game of the season.

With victories in our last two league trips to QPR and penalty shootout success before that, as well as some excellent recent performances elsewhere, confidence was high heading into the game.

So some may now see the draw as a disappointment, but in truth there is no need to be disheartened.

It was Sunderland’s thirteenth league game of the season and we were still top of the table at full time with 29 points. Compare that to 19 at this stage last year and 17 in 2022/2023 and you can see how Regis Le Bris is progressing.

The current state of the game looks even more promising if you can stand the memories of the 2017/2018 season, which saw just 37 points total.

The team have already surpassed their win tally this campaign, including their late defeat to QPR in a game that started much like Saturday when Jason Steele was sacked shortly after half-time. , but then it was quite clear that defeat would soon follow, whereas now things are completely different.

The point, given the circumstances, is not the end of the world.

Moore of the same please!

The final result meant a third clean sheet in the last four matches, two of which were for Simon Moore.

The strength of those playing in front of him is such that Moore has yet to be properly tested in terms of saves, but having endured such a long game without proper competitive football, you can’t fault him for the manner of his play or other aspects of the role.

QPR fans may have been a little annoyed that their team lacked ideas, but from our point of view, whenever the ball was thrown his way, Moore dealt with it admirably.

The back four, when they weren’t winning with a header, also looked at ease with him and were glad he made the call, so we seem to be in good form between the sticks and there’s no need to rush Anthony Patterson back until he’s fully ready . .

Sunderland v Oxford United - Sky Bet Championship

Midfielder selection dilemma?

Patterson isn’t the only one with injury concerns right now, but the difference lately has been that when important players are out, they’re at least in positions we cover.

For example, Luke O’Nien’s focus and strength means he has been able to work well alongside Aji Alez, Dan Ballard and now Chris Mepham, while Isidore and Aaron Connolly have filled the void left by Eliezer Mayenda.

However, there are some questions about what will happen if one of the full-backs struggles and the depth of our midfield is tested with Jobe facing a suspension.

Assuming Chris Rigg isn’t ready for a quick turnaround at Preston North End, there will either have to be a major change in formation or someone coming back from the periphery, and even if he does return, there may still be room. I open up on the bench.

The fact that Adil Auchish and Abdullah Ba, who were always in or around the first team last season, instead spent Saturday playing for the U21s suggests they are unlikely to feature, so is it time for a new face, and could this mean minutes for Milan Aleksic?

Sunderland AFC v Derby County - Sky Bet Championship

Louder, prouder and more passionate support!

Regardless of who plays on Wednesday night, they can expect strong support from the visitors.

Deepdale should see big numbers midweek, but even with little funding allocated, as was the case in the capital, the noise levels are fantastic.

The players responded very well to the red card and did a professional job, but the constant support from the other end of the field could only make them more determined.

After all the recent talk of leaving the party early, this once again showed how much influence supporters can have.