Sunderland

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We asked for your views after Sunderland beat AZ Alkmaar 1-0 in the Europa League.

Here are some of your comments:

John: Delighted for the lads but got to say the obvious, we desperately need goalscorers. We put in the effort but not getting the end result of a few goals. But hey, who would have thought we would be here just a few seasons ago?

Ian: What a night for the team, the fans and the city! AZ are top of their division for a reason but Sunderland deserved the win.

Wilf: What a night and what a match. The atmosphere lived up to the pre-match hype with the crowd continuously pushing the team. Sunderland dominated the first half and really should have been out of sight. AZ showed their class after half-time and played some tidy football. It could have ended up 6-3. A great game of football fitting of such an historic occasion.

Denise: As nerve-wracking as it is, I'd settle for a 1-0 win all campaign.

Jura: For once we had the rub of the green with a few let-offs, but we still deserved to win this game and the crowd played a massive part of this win. No one can say we don't produce an exciting game.

Gary: I am a Sunderland fan, a win is a win, personally I thought we were poor at times but AZ average three goals per game this season, so probably a good result.

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Former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini reflected on a "special" Europa League victory as the club made a winning return to European football after 53 years away.

The winning moment against AZ Alkmaar came in the 66th minute when Enzo le Fee slotted away his penalty after being brought down inside the area.

"It was very special," Gabbiadini told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily. "My old chairman Bob Murray, who is a good friend of mine, built this stadium for nights like this - and the fans didn't let him down.

"It is the fans who deserve a lot of plaudits because when we were down in the third tier of English football, and we didn't really know where we were going for a couple of years while we were down there, they stuck with the club.

"There was regularly 30,000-35,000 people at the Stadium of Light for those third-tier matches, so a historic win is everything their loyalty deserved.

"I may have left some fingernail marks in the desk as it was a bit tense but, on the whole, I do think Sunderland created the most chances and looked the most dangerous around the box."

Le Fee had a spot-kick saved in a recent Premier League match against Arsenal, but converted his penalty on Wednesday.

Gabbiadini added: "His first touch and his vision is exceptional. He is my favourite player at the club. He has the balance and the poise he needs to play in his position effectively. I do, however, think we need to get him on the ball more often."

Listen to Football Daily on BBC Sounds

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Former Sunderland defender Gary Bennett said Regis Le Bris' side collecting three points in their Europa League opener against AZ Alkmaar is "fantastic" but they "need to put their shooting boots on" for future games.

The Black Cats dominated their opponents in terms of shots and shots on target but needed a second-half Enzo Le Fe penalty to break the deadlock in front of a vociferous home crowd at The Stadium of Light.

"They had chances to score before but it's a learning curve for Sunderland in Europe," Bennett told BBC Radio Newcastle post-match.

"We created opportunities and you have to say we should have scored two or three goals. But, overall, it was a good performance. They will get better.

"What more can you ask for in the first game? Clean sheet, you get a win, you move on and there is another big game on Sunday.

"Getting three points on the board is fantastic - a good start to the European campaign.

"When we needed to defend, we did. We put bodies on the line when called upon and [Robin] Roefs made a couple of good saves.

"It's been a fantastic occasion and the win just puts the icing on the cake. The performance was good, we now need to dust ourselves off for Sunday.

"But, they need to put their shooting boots on. That's for sure."

Listen to the full discussion below or on BBC Sounds

Sam Drury
BBC Sport journalist

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You have to go back to a second-round exit at the hands of Portuguese side Sporting in the 1973-74 Cup Winners' Cup for the last time Sunderland played in a major European competition.

The wait meant that for the vast majority of the home support inside the Stadium of Light this was a first; an occasion to savour regardless of the outcome.

And, after an understandable few early nerves, their side gave them a performance – and a result – to cherish.

There were no shortage of individual displays to galvanise them from Robin Roefs with his crucial saves, Granit Xhaka pulling the strings from deep to full-back turned winger Trai Hume causing chaos in the opponents' box one moment and throwing in a crunching tackle to end an AZ break the next.

But at the heart of it all was Enzo Le Fee. The 26-year-old worked tirelessly off the ball, nicking the ball back for his side time and again, but it is in the final third that the Sunderland playmaker really comes to life.

So much of the Black Cats' threat revolved around him. His deft touches, clever passes and the uncanny ability to find space in and around a crowded penalty area gave the AZ defence a torrid time.

His goal came from the spot but only because he was bundled over when poised to finish from open play.

Regardless, Le Fee was a deserving match-winner and as "Can't Help Falling in Love" was belted out around the ground at the full-time whistle, how the goal came about was of no concern to anyone of a Sunderland persuasion.

Hear from Le Fee on Wednesday's win on BBC Sounds here

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Sunderland boss Regis le Bris, spoke to TNT Sports after his side's Europa League victory: "I am proud and pleased for the players, club and fans. It was a tough game as expected because they are a really good team.

"When we scored, we played with freedom. We were really good but probably a bit exhausted after Arsenal at home a few days ago but we played with heart and togetherness.

"We played good football. When you create good momentum it is important to score. We are here to learn, to take the most of it again and keep going."

On Enzo Le Fee scoring the penalty: "I trust him. He stepped up once again with courage and bravery. These kind of players are resilient."

On the pre-match atmosphere: "It was impressive, our fans are so passionate. They deserve like we had today."

Sunderland defender Trai Hume, also spoke to TNT Sports: "It means everything, the journey that we have been on over the last couple of years has led to this moment. These fans deserve this moment."

On playing in Europe: "It's a bit crazy to be honest. If you had asked me five years ago would I be here, I would have said no and now that we are here I'm just trying to enjoy every moment. We have a great team, great staff and unbelievable fans. We fully deserve this moment and we are going to keep pushing this season."

On his goalscoring chances in the match: "I probably should have scored to be fair. Some of them were a bit difficult. I think the one in the second half I should have definitely put away. Thankfully, Enzo stepped up, spared my blushed and made us get three points."

Hear more from Regis le Bris below or on BBC Sounds here

Did you know?

• Sunderland's starting line-up had made 131 combined Europa League appearances prior to Wednesday; the most by a team in their first ever game in the competition.

• Sunderland recorded 13 shots in the first half tonight, the most by a team on their UEFA Europa League home debut since Real Sociedad vs Rosenborg in September 2017 (also 13).

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The draw for the Carabao Cup fourth round has been made. Here is a list of all the ties in the order they were drawn.

• Fleetwood Town v Arsenal

• Manchester City/Norwich v Brighton

• Everton v Newcastle

• Sunderland v Brentford

• Liverpool v Chelsea

• Bradford v Peterborough

• Fulham v Crystal Palace

• Bournemouth v Aston Villa

The matches will be played in the week commencing 26 October.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Sunderland's performance

Reaction and analysis to follow - and come back on Thursday for a selection of your replies.

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"I was begging and begging for European nights - and they are finally here," says Sunderland supporters' group This is Wearside co-founder Daniel Stokell.

After 53 years of waiting, Regis le Bris' team are just hours away from making their return to European football against Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar.

"It is a massive night," Stokell told BBC Radio Newcastle. "It is a night that we have all dreamed of.

"Back in our League One days, we saw all of the big teams having these nights. We have always dreamed about them for ourselves, but we never thought it was possible.

"I was actually out in Istanbul during the Europa League final in May and I saw all of the Aston Villa fans partying before the game and all of the bars being decorated in Aston Villa bits, and it gave me a glimpse of what I wanted for my club.

"I was begging and begging for European nights - whether that was in the Conference League or Europa League - whatever we could get I would've taken and now they are finally here."

Listen to the full conversation by pressing play below or listen on BBC Sounds here

Find more Sunderland build-up and content before European return here

Sunderland return to European football for the first time in over 50 years on Wednesday evening in a 'pinch me' moment for supporters.

Regis le Bris' side take on AZ Alkmaar in their opening fixture and Sunderland legend Gary Bennett - the club's fifth all-time appearance maker - says the ride to get there has been "unbelievable".

"It's been a journey, especially from where Sunderland have come from," Bennett told BBC Radio Newcastle. "From Division One days where we'd been playing at places like Morecombe and Akrington Stanley, we're actually playing in Europe now.

"I don't think a lot of supporters have seen a European game, I'm one of them as well, and we're pinching ourselves. Our target was to get back into the Premier League and if you start talking about Europe you're thinking 'well it's not going to happen in the present moment'.

"But the club over the past four years, what they've achieved and what the players have achieved has been unbelievable."

Sunderland historian Rob Mason explained to BBC Radio Newcastle how the club and its supporters have been waiting for this moment since the Stadium of Light was built in 1997.

The Black Cats came close to qualifying in the following years of their new home being built, with two seventh-place finishes and an FA Cup semi-final in the early 2000's.

Mason said: "We've had several near-misses, but this year is not a near-miss. This year it's really come to fruition that we are in Europe and guaranteed a minimum eight games.

"We've been eagerly looking forward to it since 24 May when we beat Chelsea to qualify for Europe and it's finally here. It's a big game against an in-form Dutch side and we'll make the most of it."

Listen to the full clip from Bennett by pressing play above or on BBC Sounds here

And hear more from Mason below or on BBC Sounds here

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When legendary former midfielder Mick Horswill scored for Sunderland against Portuguese side Sporting in the Uefa Cup Winners' Cup last 16 first leg back in 1973, he probably did not think he would remain the last Black Cats player to score a European goal until 2026.

However, with Regis le Bris leading the club back into European action after a 53-year wait in the Europa League on Wednesday, that record finally looks set to break.

"It's been my pride and joy for 53 years and now I'm going to lose it," Horswill told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"Can they win the cup if they don't score? Win every game on penalties? That will be good for me!

"It's fantastic to see Sunderland back in Europe and fantastic for the supporters. We never expected it. All we wanted to do last season was stay up. The season the had was incredible, all due to the players and their attitude.

"I just feel so good for the supporters. We have the best supporters in the country and they deserve everything they get."

The famous Horswill goal was scored in a 2-1 home win before Sunderland were eventually knocked out after a 2-0 defeat in Lisbon.

Recalling the goal, Horswill added: "Believe it or not it was a header. Anyone who is old enough to know me or watch me play knows I never got in the box very much, I was a very defensive player.

"What I was doing in the penalty area at that time to head in at the far post I don't know. My nose was bleeding, my knees were knocking!"

Hit play below to hear the full chat or listen in full on BBC Sounds

Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka says the Stadium of Light "will be on fire" when the Black Cats return to European football for the first time in 53 years against AZ Alkmaar on Wednesday.

Xhaka is set to lead out Regis le Bris' side on a landmark night, just over a year since the club returned to the Premier League after an eight-year absence.

The 33-year-old has experienced his fair share of big occasions across his career at the top level - winning two FA Cups as well as league titles in Germany and Switzerland,, and losing Europa League finals with both Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen - but sees Wednesday's opener as a special prospect.

"It means a lot. We knew that last season we wrote something in our history to be back after 53 years, and starting to feel the excitement from the people as well," said Xhaka.

"The stadium will be on fire tomorrow because the fans deserve it and the football club deserves it, but after the hard work last season, the players deserve to be where we are as well.

"The excitement is one side and the other part is to enjoy the game as because there's nothing better than playing European football, to compete against the best ones in Europe, and to try to get as much as possible.

"We want to give our fans the joy and good results - let's go for it.

"For sure, the Premier League is our priority. But, the bonus of the Europa League is something that we are trying to get and that's a big challenge for us.

"I've twice been in the Europa League final, lost twice in the final, so for me it's a big dream to get another final and to get it with this football club."

Hear more from Xhaka above or on BBC Sounds

Nat Hayward
BBC Sport journalist

Sunderland boss Regis le Bris has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Europa League opener against Dutch Eredivise side AZ Alkmaar at the Stadium of Light (20:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Le Bris was first asked about Sunderland's rise from League One five years ago to a first European campaign in 53 years: "I'm proud to be part of bringing Sunderland back to European competition. It's a privilege and shows the momentum of the club. We are progressing step by step and it's very positive for our fans and our community. It's a special moment."

• On Trai Hume and Luke O'Nien benig players from the club's League One days: "It shows they are really well connected with the identity of club. We are talking about the key values and key pillars, but also behaviours. You want to get better. You can start maybe from a lower level, but if you get better, you want to improve every day, you can reach something impressive - like this."

• Asked about the European experience within his squad, Le Bris said: "We have many players with great experience in Europe. It's another competition, but we are talking about football. Same standards, same identity, different opponents, and it's a game of football. We want to win."

• On how his side reacted to Saturday's home defeat by Arsenal: "They were disappointed, first of all, after the game. You will always need 24 hours, 48 hours to digest and then reset and go again. The players were really well connected, they switched on now and this competition helps."

• On his side's European opener falling between league games against the top two Arsenal and Manchester City: "We want to go strong in both competitions - it's important for our fans and for the club. The depth of the squad is getting better as well. The players are looking forward to these kinds of fixtures - it's really obvious. The energy will be strong."

• On whether he can afford to play his strongest side in Europe alongside the demands of the Premier League: "It's still early in the season and the players are fresh. They want to play in this competition and be involved in something new for the club, and European competition is really interesting that way. We'll need more than 11 players to be competitive in both competitions, but it's still possible to go strong."

• Reflecting on his own journey to the top, Le Bris said: "Life is unpredictable, but when you want to get better as a manager, as a young coach, you can create your own way and sometimes it's surprising. I wanted to train abroad, especially in England, so it was clear in my mind, but you never know the way to reach this objective. I'm really proud to be here now and I'm looking forward to it."

• On opponents Alkmaar: "We observed this league for different reasons. The market is really interesting and the style of play as well. We will discover a new team in a new competition and we expect a tight game."

Hit play above to hear more from Le Bris or listen on BBC Sounds here

Got a question about Sunderland? Get in touch here and we'll seek answers from our experts

Brian Brobbey needs to believe in himself more, says former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini.

The Black Cats forward produced an impressive display in Saturday's 2-0 loss to Arsenal, but needs a stronger "striker's instinct" if he wants to help Sunderland get results.

"Brobbey is such a character, isn't he? He's so strong and you can see defenders are afraid of him," Gabbiadini told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"They don't want to get into a tangle with him because he's too strong. The ball's going into him but there are a couple of times when I think he needs to believe a little bit more.

"With the chance near the end [against Arsenal], I think he had a shout to let it go from [Nordi] Mukiele but, as a centre-forward, he could have just stuck out a leg and taken control of that ball, and that's when you get your shot away quickly. I think you saw the frustration after that happened - he was like: 'Ah, I should have taken that chance and not left it for someone else.'

"But that's when the striker's instinct has really got to be strong. He needs a bit of belief and performances like that will bring that belief - but goals are the currency for strikers in his position.

"The game has changed a little bit – he is a little bit of a throwback. He's a work in progress. He's still a young man and he's finding his way in the Premier League, but it's exciting to watch and there is real potential there."

Listen to the full clip above or on BBC Sounds here

And hit play below to hear from Gabbiadini on the penalty awarded to Sunderland on Saturday or on BBC Sounds here

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

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It wasn't a great weekend for VAR. Three big decisions were mangled and they might have made a mockery of two of the most meaningful matches of the season so far.

What's more concerning is that these decisions didn't seem all that difficult to call.

Arsenal conceded a penalty but it was clear from the replays that it was Gunners defender Ezri Konsa who was fouled by Sunderland's Dan Ballard, not the other way around.

Watching live, it looked like the referee had got it right. Konsa wasn't looking at the ball when the wrestling took place, so there is no blame on the referee. He couldn't have known that Ballard started it.

This is why we have VAR, so that they can check the angles and make the right calls in these crucial moments. The problem was they did look and still missed what really happened.

The error probably happened because they are trying to speed up the decision-making process, but it is much better to be right than quick.

Fortunately, someone above was smiling down on the officials and David Raya saved the spot-kick, Arsenal went on to win and justice was done.

Pat Nevin writes weekly in the Football Extra newsletter. If you're outside the UK and would like to receive it, sign up here.

Former Sunderland defender Gary Bennett says the Black Cats' effort against Arsenal can't be questioned.

After the 2-0 defeat, Bennett told BBC Radio Newcastle: "Regis Le Bris will be happy with that display. You're talking about the Premier League champions here. They know that they've been in a game.

"Brian Brobbey was unplayable. You look at Arsenal's two centre-backs, they know that they have been in a game. Maybe on another occasion they [Sunderland] get the rub of the green. It just didn't happen.

"You can't question the effort, you can't question the way we set up, the way we went about the game and you've got to credit Arsenal. They are a quality team."

Hit play above to hear Bennett and BBC Radio Newcastle's Sunderland commentator Nick Barnes reflecting on the game, or listen on BBC Sounds here

Geoff Taylor was BBC Radio Newcastle's Sunderland commentator in 1973 during the FA Cup win and until now, their only competitive games in Europe.

The station's current Sunderland commentator Nick Barnes has been speaking to Geoff's son Roger Taylor about his memories.

Taylor said: "I think he travelled with the club on, I'm guessing, a chartered flight. He travelled with the team over to both Lisbon and Budapest.

"He was part of the entourage - how you'd probably describe it now. He very much felt a part of the team and was on very good terms."

Click play below to hear the full chat or listen on BBC Sounds here