Matthews can still push for Cats’ No1 spot after a mixed debut

Let’s get the obvious bit out the way first. That wasn’t the debut Remi Matthews nor Phil Parkinson hoped for.

It’s often said that errors made by goalkeepers are highlighted far more than those of players anywhere else on the pitch given the significance of them – and the single error Matthews made against Carlisle culminated in a goal for the visitors.

You could make arguments that the weather conditions and wet surface had an impact, but Matthews should have saved what was a tame shot from Lewis Alessandra. He would be the first to hold his hands up and admit that.

But even the best goalkeepers make mistakes. Jon McLaughlin, who was widely regarded as the best goalkeeper in League One during his time at Sunderland, made a similar error during an FA Cup tie with Gillingham last season.

So while it would be easy to focus on that one aspect of Matthews’ debut outing, there were plenty of positive elements to take from his first outing at the Stadium of Light.

Moments after conceding, Matthews redeemed himself with a smart low stop to keep out Gavin Reilly after Carlisle had found their way through on Sunderland’s right after taking a quick free-kick.

He commanded his area well, comfortably claiming crosses and the few corners that the visitors mustered during the 90 minutes and communicated well with his backline.

Matthews also showcased his fine range of distribution – a key asset for any goalkeeper playing in Parkinson’s 3-4-3 system. One notable pass picked out Jack Diamond in space on the left in the first-half and set Sunderland on a quick counterattack.

The Sunderland stopper will have far busier afternoons during his time on Wearside, with Carlisle offering little real attacking threat, and it is only then when we will be able to make a definitive judgement on Matthews.

But there are enough signs to suggest he can challenge for the number one shirt, even if it is currently in the hands of Lee Burge – who Parkinson suggested would start against Harrogate on Saturday.

To assume the battle between the sticks is over would be premature though, and Matthews will remain keen to prove his worth.