Sunderland hosted Exeter City last night in a 6-3 thriller in the second round of the Capital One Cup. Fourteen thousand fans watched in the Stadium of Light as the Black Cats emulated their season so far with some horror show defending followed up by some decent finishing. However, with the poor standard of opposition yesterday, Sunderland must ask themselves what must be altered to avoid defeat against Aston Villa this Saturday. So what did we learn from yesterday’s game?
Jermain Defoe will score goals
The Englishman has had his fair share of critics since his January move from Toronto, however, this season Defoe has come back with a vengeance, scoring 5 goals in 4 games thus far. Despite playing in an unfamiliar wide role this term in Dick Advocaat’s favored 4-3-3 formation, Defoe has still got amongst the goals, including a hat-trick last night, and has been a positive spark in what otherwise has been a poor start for the Black Cats. The former Spurs striker will be a key figure this season as the Black Cats look to progress up the league table and in the cup.
The kids are alright
Duncan Watmore and Lynden Gooch made substitute appearances last night, and immediately brought the Stadium of Light to their feet. The two forwards showed off their flamboyant rawness and their sheer grit and determination for the shirt, a trait a few of the experienced players could learn from. Watmore grabbed himself another goal, whilst Gooch was a handful, widening the play and helping Sunderland gain control in the second half. The two attackers have a bright future in the game and hopefully the Black Cats will give them the opportunity to shine this year.
Jack Rodwell can actually play football
Yes, Rodwell has played two decent matches for Sunderland in a row. We can be forgiven for getting ahead of ourselves, considering the former Manchester City man cost the club £10-million last summer. Rodwell hasn’t exactly torn down bridges since his move to Sunderland, but he has chipped in with the odd goal, however, this season Rodwell has improved his all round game. The midfielder has benefited immensely from the arrival of Yann M’Vila, who allows Rodwell to play with more freedom, defending from the front and being a combative playmaker in the middle of the park. The former Everton man could have grabbed himself a hat-trick last night but instead had to settle for two goals and two assists in a man of the match performance. Let’s hope for more of the same from Rodwell this coming campaign.
There is no defending THAT defending!
Eleven goals conceded in just four games this year is a scandalous return for a top-flight team. No matter which defender is playing, whether it is Sebastian Coates, John O’Shea, Younes Kaboul or Patrick Van Aanholt, none of them are good enough currently. The full-backs are too advanced and cannot stop the winger’s cross, the centre-backs cannot defend the crosses and cover the full back positions, which in combination leads to the horror shows you have seen so far this season.
The team do not have enough quality to play in Advocaat’s system, meaning reinforcements are a must. However, with just 6 days to go till the transfer window closes, the Dutchman may have to alter his tactics, with no sign of any imminent arrivals in defence.
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