Sunderland dressing room delight at Nazariy Rusyn goal

Rusyn’s goal against Preston North End on New Year’s Day was the first for any of Sunderland’s four strikers this season.

In defence of the frontmen, Rusyn, who has yet to learn the language, has understandably needed time to adjust after moving from Ukraine, Hemir and Eliezer Mayenda are both inexperienced and untested at this level, and Mason Burstow arrived with high expectations after impressing at Chelsea.
The Black Cats’ strikers have struggled, and Tony Mowbray, Mike Dodds, and Michael Beale have all tried different things to get the frontline firing.

Beale used a makeshift striker in his first three games as manager before giving Rusyn his chance against North End, and the 25-year-old is now almost certain to start Saturday’s Wear-Tyne derby against Newcastle United in the FA Cup.
“I’m absolutely over the moon for Naz,” midfielder Neil said.

“We all as a squad really wanted a striker to get off the mark and he’s done that.”
Sunderland welcome the Magpies to the Stadium of Light on the back of a three-match unbeaten run, and while one of those games was a frustrating draw at Championship bottom club Rotherham, the Black Cats responded admirably to Beale’s first home defeat to Coventry.

“It’s obviously a tough period on the legs but also mentally as well, trying to get yourself right for a game just two days after the last game,” he said.

“But the holiday season has always been like this, and we’re always prepared for it to be difficult.” The lads’ effort and togetherness over the last four games has been incredible, and coming away from the last three games with seven points is a fantastic response to the Coventry loss.

“We stuck together and we’ve got through this period.”

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