Keith Chapman

Following last season’s struggles against Fulham, with the Cottagers completing the double over Sunderland, the Black Cats’ first home game of the new campaign was never going to be an easy task. I don’t think any fan went into the game expecting an end-to-end, seven-goal thriller with chances galore.

Sunderland supporters have been handed a European adventure of a lifetime after the Black Cats were drawn against some of the continent’s most recognisable clubs in the Europa League. A trip to Italian giants AC Milan provides the headline fixture in a draw that has captured the imagination of supporters across Wearside.

Sunderland’s remarkable journey back to European football is about to enter a new chapter. After securing Europa League qualification with a famous 2-1 victory over Chelsea in May, the Black Cats are preparing to discover who they will face when the league phase draw takes place on Friday lunchtime.

Romaine Mundle, who joined Sunderland from Standard Liege two years ago, agreed to fresh terms earlier today to extend his stay at the Stadium of Light.

Now that the dust is beginning to settle on Sunderland’s 2-1 opening-day defeat at Portman Road, there is plenty to unpick from what was ultimately a hugely frustrating afternoon in Suffolk. The defeat feels all the more disappointing because Sunderland were more than capable of leaving Ipswich with at least a point.

There was once a time when Sunderland supporters would have viewed a pre-season victory over a club of Rennes’ stature as little more than a pleasant mid-August afternoon on Wearside, something to enjoy before the real nitty-gritty of competitive football began, but the feeling around the Stadium of Light this summer feels rather different now.

The Black Cats are set to complete the signing of Dayann Methalie, with the full-back flying into the North East on Sunday evening to undergo a medical at the Academy of Light.

Simon Crabtree will always remain a familiar voice to Sunderland fans, having regularly covered the Lads at the Stadium of Light and on the road, alongside the late, legendary and much-loved Gary Rowell, on Metro Radio.