Ep 4. Rocking and Rolling

Sunderland Til I Die is a documentary series on Netflix that delves into the trials and tribulations of Sunderland AFC, a football club in the United Kingdom. Beginning in the 2017-2018 season, the series follows the team as they navigate their way through the challenges of the Championship, a notoriously difficult league for clubs to escape.

In season 1, episode 4, entitled "Rocking and Rolling", Sunderland is riding high on a string of impressive performances. They have won three games in a row, including a hard-fought victory over high-flying rivals Leeds United. The club's fortunes are on the rise, and there is a sense of optimism around the Stadium of Light.

Off the pitch, things are also looking up. Manager Simon Grayson has started to stamp his mark on the team, and the players are buying into his philosophy. The documentary crew gets a glimpse of Grayson's methods as he puts the squad through their paces in training. Hard work and attention to detail are the hallmarks of his approach, and it seems to be paying off.

As the episode progresses, we see more of the personalities behind the team. Striker Lewis Grabban, who has scored seven goals in as many games, talks about his desire to help the club achieve promotion. Defender Lamine Kone opens up about his struggles with injury and how important it is to him to be playing regularly. There is a sense of camaraderie and unity among the players, who are determined to succeed.

The episode also touches on the relationship between the club and its fans. Sunderland has a passionate and loyal following, but the team's recent struggles have tested their patience. We see footage of a group of supporters who have launched their own campaign to improve the atmosphere at home games. They bring drums and flags to the stadium, and their efforts are beginning to catch on with other fans.

The match that dominates this episode is a home game against QPR. Sunderland go into the match as favorites, but find themselves behind early on. The team's response is impressive, as they swarm forward and create chances. The crowd gets behind them, and the atmosphere is electric. As the game wears on, it becomes clear that Sunderland is going to need a special moment to get back into it.

That moment comes in the form of midfielder Aiden McGeady, who has been a standout player all season. With the clock ticking down, he picks up the ball on the edge of the box and curls a breathtaking shot into the top corner of the net. The crowd erupts, and Sunderland is level. They push forward in search of a winner, but are unable to find the back of the net.

The game ends in a 1-1 draw, a somewhat disappointing result given Sunderland's recent form. However, the team can take heart from the fact that they played well in front of their home fans, who were vocal in their support. As the episode comes to a close, we see the players in the dressing room, reflecting on the match and discussing what they need to do to improve.

Overall, "Rocking and Rolling" is an enjoyable episode of Sunderland Til I Die. It showcases the team's strengths, both on and off the pitch, and highlights the passion and commitment of the fans. There are moments of tension and drama, but also moments of humor and camaraderie. For fans of Sunderland and football in general, this is a must-watch series.