Nottingham Forest 0-1 Sunderland: Robin Roefs says “I didn’t feel like they were going to score”

Sunderland’s stunning away victory at the City Ground owed everything to resilience, organisation, and the brilliance of Robin Roefs. The Dutch goalkeeper, signed for €10.5m in the summer (rising to €13.5m with bonuses), justified every penny with a superb performance as Omar Alderete’s first-half header sealed the points.

Roefs, who made six saves and registered 2.16 goals prevented according to post-match data, kept Forest at bay despite Ange Postecoglou’s side registering 22 shots and 65% possession. His dominance and confidence under pressure gave Sunderland belief as they ground out another impressive result in their Premier League return.

“What an evening. We showed mentality, we showed we give everything on the pitch and with this mentality I think we can achieve a lot,” Roefs told BBC Match of the Day after the game.

Roefs also reflected on his short time at the Stadium of Light so far, praising both teammates and supporters. “I am really happy with the start from us as a team but also from me. I am happy to help the team. I did know it was a club with a big history and I was told before that the fans would be really great in home games but even in away games they show massive support. We are really happy with that and they pushed us to the win today.”

Sunderland’s travelling fans roared their team home in the East Midlands, underlining their growing belief that this side can achieve more than just survival.

The victory means no promoted side with Sunderland’s current points tally at this stage of the season has ever been relegated. Roefs, however, was quick to dampen any premature celebrations: “There is a really long way to go, we are just a few games in but we have to celebrate every good moment and move on to the next one.”

FootballPlace analyst John William called Roefs’ performance “season-defining.” He said: “This is why Sunderland invested in him. Six saves, calm distribution, and sheer presence under pressure. Games like this are the difference between staying up and going down. His comments about not feeling like Forest would score show how much authority he exudes.”

William added: “Sunderland’s defensive unit fought for everything, but without Roefs they don’t leave the City Ground with three points. This signing looks like a bargain.”

The Black Cats continue to defy expectations in their Premier League return. With Roefs anchoring a resolute defence and Alderete chipping in with goals, they are building momentum. Next week’s fixtures will test their resilience further, but the signs point to a team capable of much more than survival.

For Nottingham Forest, it is back to the drawing board for Ange Postecoglou, whose wait for a first win drags on.

👉 Is Robin Roefs already Sunderland’s signing of the season after his match-winning display at the City Ground?