Yesterday saw Sunderland begin the season in disappointing fashion, as the Black Cats succumbed to a 4-2 defeat at Leicester City. With fans slowly getting on board the ‘train of hope and optimism’ regarding Sunderland AFC this summer, the whole of Wearside quickly got off at the first stop with a crushing reality check. Three first half goals saw the game put to bed after thirty minutes with individual errors, topped off by a poor team performance the most disappointing part to the season opener.
Sunderland fans are realistic enough to know that there will be no overnight transformation at the club. However, we do demand a team that fight’s for the shirt, and for 85% of the Leicester game, we did not see such a thing. We look at three areas where it went wrong and how Advocaat can put it right in time for next week’s home clash against newly promoted Norwich City.
1. Non-existent full-Backs.Billy Jones and Patrick Van Aanholt were given the roles that they occupied and did well in at the tail end of last season. However, if yesterday is anything to go by then this season will be the complete opposite, with both players struggling and were arguably the worst players in red and white. Van Aanholt has a history of venturing forward from his left-back spot, which often leaves the left side exposed. Such as home games against QPR and Crystal Palace last season, the same side was exposed yesterday, with Mahrez of Leicester running rings down the left. Neither Jeremain Lens nor Adam Johnson tracked back to help Van Aanholt, however, the Dutchman should’ve had the tactical awareness to notice Leicester’s continuous dangerous wing play.
Billy Jones was equally as poor as Van Aanholt, not venturing forwards as much as last term and offering poor end product when he did. Defensively is where Jones particularly struggled. The former West Brom man couldn’t handle Albrighton all afternoon and failed to stop the cross coming into the box for Leicester’s first two goals. Adam Matthews was brought on to replace Jones in the second half, and he may have just won himself a first-team spot without having to do a lot.
2. Anonymous midfield.A particular low point of the defeat was the poor midfield performance. The one sided battle in midfield, highlighted by the disastrous cameo by Vice-captain Lee Cattermole, was where the game was lost. The midfield three, turned to midfield four, couldn’t get to the pace of the game, and were out battled, muscled and performed by Leicester’s sheer determination and work ethic. Lee Cattermole conceded a penalty and received his first booking of the season in what was a horrific start for his season. Given the armband for the day on the back of a new six-year contract, Cattermole’s uncharacteristic lack of energy and spirit summed up Sunderland’s performance. He was replaced by Steven Fletcher who was introduced as Advocaat changed his formation for 4-3-3 to 4-4-2 on the half hour mark with score at 3-0.Sebastian Larsson and Jack Rodwell were anonymous figures and the side lacked the energy and tough tackling that the two usually offer. Larsson, last year’s player of the year, was the best of the midfield, offering some nice forward passing and runs but faded as the match wore on. Rodwell, who is under pressure to justify his £10 million investment from last summer, was an anonymous figure and was lucky not to get sent-off for a tackle that should’ve warranted a second yellow card.
3. Team Performance. Apart from Defoe and Fletcher, not many in the team came out of yesterday deserving of any credit, and Advocaat will surely ring the changes for next week as Norwich visit the Stadium of Light. With poor performances on every area of the pitch, the likes of Pantilimon, Jones, Kaboul, Rodwell, Cattermole, Larsson and Johnson could be sitting on the bench come Saturday.
Potential new signings this week could offer much needed fresh meat to the Sunderland side, whilst Yann M’Vila may come into contention to make his debut for he club. Elsewhere, Steven Fletcher may have earned himself a starting spot after his goal yesterday in a 4-4-2 system which worked better with the players at Advocaat’s disposal. Club captain John O’Shea may also see a return to the first-team in a defence that conceded four goals at the King Power Stadium.
A much better team performance is needed on Saturday in front of the home fans in what is set to be a sell-out crowd. Individuals such as Lens and Cattermole will be hoping for better personal displays, with three points vital for morale. A win on Saturday will quickly wipe away memories of Leicester and will kick-start Sunderland’s season at the second time of trying.
