2 Up, 2 Down: Sunderland See Off Lens In A Lively Friendly!

Sunderland's Northern Irish defender #32 Trai Hume (2ndL) celebrates with his teammates after scoring his team's first goal during the friendly football match between RC Lens and AFC Sunderland at the Bollaert-Delelis Stadium in Lens, northern France, on August 8, 2026. (Photo by Sameer Al-DOUMY / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images Dean McDonald says…Chris Rigg, take a bow!

Rigg looked every inch a Premier League player when he came on, playing a big part in both goals and just looking comfortable whenever he got the ball.

The big hitters are back

Noah Sadiki, Robin Roefs, Trai Hume, Luke O’Nien and Reinildo all getting ninety minutes is a huge positive.

Most – if not all – will probably start against Ipswich, and getting ninety minutes two weeks before the start of the season is massive.

A mixed bag from Nilson Angulo

Angulo struggled for the majority of the time he was on the pitch.

He had a couple of decent moments, but something is missing at the moment that he needs to find if it’s going to work for him this season.

Big Dan exits early

Dan Ballard didn’t look great when he came off.

The change was clearly pre-planned, but whether he picked up a knock or was just knackered remains to be seen.

Given his previous struggles, it’s easy to jump straight to the negative, but hopefully he’s OK and can get through ninety minutes next week against Rennes.

Malc Dugdale says…Malc Dugdale says…An away victory over a quality opponent

I didn’t see the game end to end, but what I did see was very comfortable and solid, and our press was high and very impressive.

To win 0-2 in France against a side who are regular Champions League competitors is a great outcome.

Yes, it’s pre-season and the results don’t matter, but it was another step up and we took it very well.

Strong showings across the board

With goals for Trai Hume and Wilson Isidor, supported by great showings by Thomas Meunier, Chris Rigg, Granit Xhaka and many others, the only thing that can come from that is positivity.

While we haven’t brought in many signings yet, this did show that our focus on improving the quality to add to what we can achieve is more key to us than large numbers coming in early.

I wish I’d seen more!

I missed parts of the game as we’re looking at getting a new dog, and while a proper game would not have got in the way, this did.

Looks like we’ve scored a win and a lovely new member of the family is on the way, so all good.

Thomas Meunier’s disallowed goal

I thought Meunier had made the perfect start with a headed goal at the back post, but it seems there was an offside in the build-up.

That could’ve capped off a great introduction for the big athletic defender, but despite that being chalked off, it shows the offensive contributions we can see this season.

Despite the fact that many have aired concern that his age could limit what he could contribute, the early signs against a reputable opponent bode very well for the season.

Mark Ryan says…Reasons for optimism on the wing?

While it wouldn’t hurt us to sign a right winger, Trai Hume and Chris Rigg showed why we’re not a disaster without one.

Robin Roefs catches the eye

I like Melker Ellborg, but the difference in confidence with Roefs there is huge.

He just exudes calmness.

Angulo vs Talbi – food for thought?

Nilson Angulo made some nice plays, but he was also frustrating.

Chemsdine Talbi should be the starter on the left.

A slight lack of continuity

Different stages of returns and fitness knocks keeping the current first eleven from getting more time together is a pain.

Max Steel says…A new addition and a solid performance!

It was great to get a glimpse of Thomas Meunier.

He looked really solid and gives us plenty of options down that right side.

Chris Rigg’s rise continues

Rigg’s impact on the game was really impressive – especially while that right midfield spot is up for grabs.

I would certainly have no problems with him starting there at Ipswich.

Dan Ballard in the wars once again

You can’t help but wince when Ballard goes into a strong challenge or when you see him stretch, coming off with what seemed like a knock.

Maybe it adds some emphasis on some business being done at centre-half.

A little more needed from Nilson Angulo

Angulo does a lot of great work out of possession, but still, I’d like to see him add a little bit of flair to his attacking game.

Owen Sara says…Thomas Meunier makes his mark

It was great to see Meunier get a run-out, and he looked a class above.

He was a willing runner, keen to get on the overlap, and he looks like a great bit of business.

Wilson Isidor gets in on the act!

Great to see Isidor grab a goal, which will hopefully give him the confidence to get a new lease of life going into next season.

More positivity needed from our wingers?

For some reason, our wingers always seem scared to take on a man and often find themselves retaining possession rather than taking some risks with the ball.

An injury scare for Dan Ballard

Ballard went off with a knock and Nordi Mukiele was missing with a knock, which are hopefully not too serious.