Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs produced a masterful display as he made several fine saves in their 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace on Saturday.
WATCH — Full match replay
Roefs made great saves from Daichi Kamada, and others, in the second half as Sunderland dug deep to grind out a point and it moves Regis Le Bris’ side on to seven points from four games this season.
Yeremy Pino twice went close for Palace in the first half and should have put them ahead, but Oliver Glasner’s side had to settle for a third draw in four games this season as they remain unbeaten and sit on six points.
Roefs dazzles as pressure is Pino
Robin Roefs made several fine saves to be the clear man of the match as Sunderland continue to show a sturdy edge on their return to the top-flight. They have now picked up seven points and look solid in midfield and have Roefs making big saves behind a hard-working defense. If they keep on like this the Black Cats will be well clear of the relegation zone when all is said and done. As for Palace, the pressure is on young Spaniard Yeremy Pino to replace the creativity and cutting edge lost when Eberechi Eze joined Arsenal. Pino had a big chance in the first half to put Palace ahead but when clean through he seemed to rush his finish slightly and put it the wrong side of the post. Replacing Eze is pretty much impossible but Palace will look to Pino to score plenty of goals and create chances and the pressure will be on him this season to be the difference in tight games like this.
What’s next?
Crystal Palace head to West Ham next Saturday in the Premier League, while Sunderland host Aston Villa next Sunday.
Crystal Palace vs Sunderland score: 0-0
Roefs denies Uche and Kamada
What a game he is having. Roefs saves to deny Uche and Kamada late on. Incredible display from the Sunderland goalkeeper!
Mateta denied superbly by Roefs
What a reaction stop from Roefs that is! A cross deflects into the path of Mateta and he’s just a few yards out as he sends his rebound in on goal. But Roefs stands tall and the ball hits him and Sunderland are very relieved.
Kamada denied by Roefs
A long throw causes chaos and Kamada’s low shot looks like it’s sneaking in but Roefs gets down low to push it away. Good stop! Okay, that was very close to an opener. Palace pushing hard late on to win this.
20 minutes to go...
Not much happening at the moment. Brian Brobbey is on for his Sunderland debut. Justin Devenny is on for Jefferson Lerma in a more attacking move for Palace as the rain pours down. Can either team find a way through late on?
Palace almost score twice!
First Roefs denies Mateta with a fine stop at the near post, then Pino thinks he has put Palace ahead but his shot is superbly blocked and flies over for a corner. Palace have started the second half really well.
Half time: Crystal Palace 0-0 Sunderland
A tight first half and both teams created a couple of big chances. Palace probably should be ahead as Pino slotted a great chance wide, but Sunderland have caused problems with crosses and this is a really combative encounter. Especially in midfield.
Great block from Mitchell
Adingra does so well on the right and he picks out Talbi at the back post but Mitchell comes in with a huge block. Great defending.
Palace should be ahead!
A lovely ball from Kamada through to Pino splits the Sunderland defense and he’s clean through. His shot beats Roefs... but trickles past the post. He has to score there.
Even start at Selhurst
Not much between these teams early on in south London. Sadiki smashed a shot wide for Sunderland, while Palace’s Yeremy Pino has gone close with a decent strike.
Crystal Palace lineup
Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Guehi; Munoz, Lerma, Hughes, Mitchell; Pino, Kamada; Mateta
Sunderland lineup
Roefs; Hume, Mukiele, Alderete, Reinildo; Diarra, Xhaka, Sadiki; Talbi, Isidor, Adingra
Crystal Palace team news
OUT: Ismaila Sarr (hamstring), Cheick Doucoure (knee), Chadi Riad (knee), Eddie Nketiah (thigh), Caleb Kporha (back) | QUESTIONABLE: Adam Wharton (groin)
Sunderland team news
OUT: Romaine Mundle (thigh), Leo Fuhr Hjelde (achilles), Dennis Cirkin (wrist) | QUESTIONABLE: Luke O’Nien (shoulder), Niall Huggins (groin), Aji Alese (shoulder), Daniel Ballard (groin)
Crystal Palace vs Sunderland preview
Oliver Glasner’s side hammered Aston Villa 3-0 away from home before the international break, then had the extra boost of keeping captain Marc Guehi (out of contract next summer) around as his move to Liverpool fell through at the last minute due to Palace not being able to line up a replacement. Palace have the excitement of their UEFA Conference League group stage campaign kicking off soon too, so it will be intriguing to see what Glasner does with his lineup in the coming years.
Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris will be delighted with their first few games back in the Premier League. Last time out the Black Cats stunned Brentford with a comeback win sealed via Wilson Isidor’s last-gasp goal and they’ve won both of their home games at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland know it will be tough to stay up this season but two wins from their first three games is certainly an unexpected boost.
Crystal Palace vs Sunderland prediction
This feels like Palace will show their extra quality in the final third and they will have gained confidence from their win at Villa before the break. Crystal Palace 2-0 Sunderland.
How to watch Crystal Palace vs Sunderland live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 10am ET Saturday (September 13)
Venue: Selhurst Park — London
TV Channel: Peacock
Streaming: Stream live on Peacock
