Pressure on Cats’ Ukrainian striker grows as goals competition grows
Written by Jack Nevin on 2nd October 2024

Jobe Bellingham is among the Sunderland strikers who seem to be finding their form.
Sunderland returned to the summit of the Championship last night, with a 2-0 victory over Derby County.
Jobe Bellingham broke the deadlock in the 40th minute, with summer signing Wilson Isidor doubling the Black Cats lead 10 minutes into the second half.
That makes it two goals in two games for the French striker but, more importantly, raises questions over the future of Sunderland’s other attacking options, particularly out-of-favour Nazairy Rusyn.
The Ukrainian forward joined the club for an undisclosed fee in September 2023, but has failed to meet the standards he set for his previous club, Zorya Luhansk, in his country’s Premier League.
During his time at Zorya, Rusyn scored 14 goals in 32 games – but for Sunderland has only netted twice in 26 appearances; most recently in a 1-1 draw away to Middlesbrough last February.
In contrast, Isidor has hit the ground running at Sunderland, bagging his first goal in a 2-1 defeat away to Watford, and then doubling his tally in last night’s victory. Manager Regis Le Bris has previously coached Isidor during his time at Stade Rennais, and clearly admires the French striker.
In his post-match interview following last night’s victory over Derby, Le Bris said of Isidor: “I think he is becoming better, especially during crosses, for example, because [this was] his second goal after a cross. I hope he can continue like that.”

Nazairy Rusyn in action for Sunderland
Rusyn’s uncertainty surrounding his future in the Sunderland squad has been compounded by the addition of two new strikers alongside Isidor, with the signing of 20-year-old Nigerian forward Ahmed Abdullahi from K.A.A Gent and the free transfer of Irish international Aaron Connolly.
When questioned on what Connolly’s arrival to Sunderland will mean for Rusyn, Le Bris told The Northern Echo: “We don’t know. We have the right level of competition. With this competition, many things can happen.”

Aaron Connolly, during his time playing for Middlesbrough FC.
The competition for the number one striker spot at Sunderland is clear. Alongside Isidor, Eliezer Mayenda has scored two goals in his first six appearances this season, whereas all of Rusyn’s five appearances in the league this season have come from the substitute bench, with his only start featuring in a 2-0 defeat to Preston North End in the EFL Cup.
Connolly’s statistics paint a grim picture for the Ukraine forward: compared to Rusyn’s two goals in 26 games, the Irish international scored 11 goals in 33 Championship appearances for his previous side, Hull City.
Speaking to the Sunderland Echo, Le Bris explained why the club signed Connolly: “He’s a good finisher, he can ruin in behind and he can play short passes and join in the combination play. He can defend with the team, too. I think he has a well-rounded profile.”
Le Bris’ comments on both Isidor and Connolly demonstrate the task that Rusyn faces to be in contention for a starting place, and last night’s victory won’t do him any favours.