Following Sunderland’s score draw with Swansea this weekend. Below shows five lessons learned from a heartening performance.
The players reacted well
After the horror show against Norwich last weekend, Dick Advocaat rightly called a team meeting to address the club’s problems on the pitch. How Sunderland fans worldwide would have loved to be a fly on the wall in that meeting. Nevertheless, it was clear to see from yesterday’s performance that the players reacted well and are well aware of what is required from them in the long season that lies ahead.
Jeremain Lens providing that creative spark
Yesterday was by far Jeremain Lens’ strongest performance since arriving from Moscow this summer. He injected real pace into a side that had been so sluggish in the opening two fixtures. The Dutch international caused numerous problems to the same Swansea defense that was so impressive at Stamford Bridge on the opening day. Signs of an understanding between Defoe and Lens appeared throughout the game. Most noticeably in the build up to the equalizing goal when Lens broke with the ball well to put Defoe through on goal.
A leader back in the heart of the defense
A much-improved defense was key to a much-improved performance. This was no doubt down to reinstating the O’Shea-Coates partnership that worked so well at the back end of last season. A man of O’shea’s experience and composure compliments young defender Sebastian Coates. He provided leadership and calmness to a back four so shaky and clueless in the first two games. Let’s hope Kaboul’s injury keeps him on the sidelines for some time.
Patrick Van Aanholt *sigh*
Despite seeing a slight upgrade on the Patrick Van Aanholt of a week ago, it still remains to be seen if the former Chelsea man can remove himself from the liability tag. Swansea exploited Van Aanholt’s inability to stick to his position meaning Kyle Naughton could surge forward to play through Bafetimbi Gomis to allow the Swans to take the lead on the stroke of half-time.
It may be because of a lack of depth in the left back position, but Dick Advocaat has constantly stuck Aanholt. Now with O’Shea back at the heart of the defense we should see him instructing his back line and letting Van Aanholt know when he steps out of position.
Need to make the next eight days count
Yesterday’s bench, in particular, highlighted the need to bring in extra bodies to provide competition in the final few days of the market. Various media reports suggest a lack of funds for any more permanent signings therefore it is the loan market that will need to be used to great effect. Talk of a loan deal for Jonathan De Guzman from Napoli is promising with the squad still lacking a goal scoring midfielder.
Whatever happens in the next eight days as long as the character shown on Saturday sticks then that will give the club at least a fighting chance this season. Something many fans would have taken in a heartbeat after the game against Norwich last week.
