2 Up, 2 Down: The Lads Have Done It Again!

Chris Rigg of Sunderland during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Sunderland at St. James's Park in Newcastle, United Kingdom, on March 22, 2026. (Photo by Mark Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images Calum Mills says… Battling Brobbey!

He was unbelievable and unplayable. He was being pulled from pillar to post by Dan Burn, but he held firm — winning headers, second balls and running down the channel when required. A proper number nine, and his movement for that second goal was top notch and after we’ve struggled in front of goal in recent weeks, his return and derby-winning goal was more than welcome!

Chris Rigg and Habib Diarra catch the eye Played out of position and up against Lewis Hall, I thought Rigg was excellent. His link up play with Habib Diarra was great and he also tracked back to support Lutsharel Geertruida. You can also see that he’s desperate to score his first Lads Premier League goal as well — which I hope happens before the end of the season!

As for Diarra, that was up there with one of his best games. Direct when running with the ball and tenacious off it, he’s come in for some stick in recent weeks but in such a high-profile game, he showed his worth and it was summed up for me when he lost it just inside their half but tracked back and won it outside our box. Hopefully this is the first of many more quality performances!