Sunderland's Europa League winning run ends in Poznan stalemate

Sunderland's unbeaten start to the Europa League continued but their winning run ended as they were held 1-1 away to Lech Poznan in Matchday 3 of the League Phase, Guardian Football reported.

The point means Régis Le Bris's side remain without defeat in Europe this season after opening victories over AZ Alkmaar and Torreense, but it was the first time they had failed to win in the competition.

Sunderland made the ideal start in Poznan when Timur Tutierov put them ahead early on, a notable moment for a player making only his third competitive appearance since joining the club's academy in 2023.

Chances followed for the visitors to extend the lead. Malick Fofana struck the post, while Nordi Mukiele forced a strong save from Lech goalkeeper Mateusz Lis, but Sunderland could not add to their tally before the hosts found a way back to level the match.

David Elliott, writing for Yahoo Sports, pointed to the problems Sunderland caused down the flanks, noting that Nilson Angulo "was really lively and caused them a lot of problems" and that "his closing down is excellent".

Elliott also praised Jules Ahoka's display in midfield, writing that he "definitely looks the part — calm, strong and protects the ball well" and adding, "I don't think he gave up possession all game."

The same assessment flagged defensive frailty as the explanation for Sunderland's failure to close out the game, stating: "We're unable to close out games at the moment and we do look a bit vulnerable at the back. Teams seem to finding space in our channels between lines and consequently that allows them to run at us."

Finishing was also identified as a factor, with Elliott writing that "Chris Rigg was probably the only one to strike the ball cleanly at goal" among a side that otherwise "didn't shoot when the chance was on, shot when we should've passed and scuffed very presentable openings".

Fellow Yahoo Sports contributor John Wade echoed the praise for Ahoka, saying "he looks so assured in the middle of the park providing a link between attack and defence," and credited the wing play of Angulo and Fofana, noting Sunderland "looked far more threatening when we give them the ball facing the full backs and let them run".

Wade compared the pattern of the game to a recent Premier League fixture, writing: "Much like the Brentford game we created a lot of chances and got some shots in but we aren't particularly clinical in their box."

He added that the draw represented "two points dropped" given the chances created, but said the squad "can still remain positive by staying unbeaten," while acknowledging "we should've been further ahead in the first half."

A third Yahoo Sports voice, John Wilson, described the opening period as encouraging viewing, writing: "What a joy to watch that movement by the Lads," though he agreed Sunderland let the initiative slip, adding: "We should have been more than one goal up at half time, but nevertheless, an exciting first half."

The draw leaves Sunderland unbeaten through three Europa League League Phase fixtures this season, having beaten AZ Alkmaar and Torreense before the trip to Poland. Their next League Phase assignment will test whether they can convert the chances that went unrewarded in Poznan into the points required to build on their unbeaten record.