Sunderland picked up a 1-1 draw against West Bromwich Albion at the weekend.
Alan Shearer has told Match of the Day, which was broadcast on BBC One on 3rd October, that Patrick Van Aanholt totally changed the game for Sunderland against West Bromwich Albion.
Van Aanholt was introduced as a second half substitute by David Moyes, with Sunderland 1-0 down in the contest.
The former Chelsea man was deployed as a left-winger, rather than in his usual position as full-back, and he thrived with the added attacking licence.
Van Aanholt created plenty of chances for his teammates, and ended up scoring his side’s equaliser.
And Shearer said: “He changed the game. He gave them pass and energy, and he actually gave them some creative passing. He grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck. I thought he was brilliant.”
After drawing with West Brom, Sunderland remain at the bottom of the Premier League table – but it was important for them to collect a point.
The Baggies had taken the lead early on through Nacer Chadli, but Sunderland showed some fighting spirit to bounce back.
Sunderland are still looking for their first league win of the season, with the pressure building on Moyes.
The Black Cats are next in action after the international break, when they take on Stoke City.
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