Sunderland took a share of the spoils yesterday, as the Black Cats drew 2-2 with Aston Villa in an entertaining encounter at Villa Park. First competitive goals for Yann M’Vila and Jeremain Lens, either side of a Scott Sinclair double meant the Wearsiders were able to pick up their second point of the season. However, Sunderland are still without a win, and head into the International break bottom of the league. So what did we learn from yesterday’s game and what must Sunderland do?
Sunderland’s new signings aren’t actually that bad!
Yann M’Vila put in a man of the match display yesterday, dominating the midfield and contributing both in attack and defence. M’Vila capped off a fine display with a superbly taken free kick in the opening 10 minutes. Younes Kaboul also impressed after a tough start to life on Wearside. The Frenchman was a rock in defence and was far more commanding alongside John O’Shea.
Jeremain Lens can be a frustrating figure at times, however, he now has 2 assists and a goal to his name this season after his equaliser yesterday. Ola Toivonen also came off the bench to make his debut, and for the large part looked impressive. The Swede can tackle, pass a ball and has an eye for goal, he also has an assist to his name already.
Dick Advocaat must surely be given credit for his signings so far, as they look the only quality in the side at present. Hopefully, Ellis Short will realise this and give the Dutchman more money to manoeuvre in the final days of the transfer window.
Lack of quality in the full back areas
Billy Jones and Patrick Van Aanholt have had a difficult start to the season with the Black Cats continuing to leak goals match after match. Going forward Van Aanholt isn’t too bad at all, and you could argue that the former Chelsea man may make a decent defensive winger. However, as a left-back he leaves the defence wide open, with the opposition exploiting the left flank time after time. Perhaps Mr Advocaat should be looking at a new left-back to add competition to a spot that has only one real contender.
On the right side, Billy Jones struggled as equally as Van Aanholt. Jones is a defensive minded player who has asked to attack. He does okay, but his final ball is average at best and also leaves his right back spot empty when he goes wandering. Jones also has a terrible habit of not being able to stop a cross, failing to get tight enough to the wingers, which is how Scott Sinclair and Aston Villa scored their second goal yesterday.
Sunderland need a top striker
Danny Graham and Steven Fletcher were both given 45 minutes each yesterday to cement a starting spot in Advocaats side. Neither impressed. Graham began the game and failed to impose himself, struggling with the physicality of Richards and Clark in the Villa defence. He failed to win headers and the ball just did not stick and was coming straight back at Sunderland’s defence as a consequence. A slight positive is that he did win the free-kick for the opening goal I suppose.
Steven Fletcher was equally as poor as Graham but did look more of a goal threat, forcing a smart save from Brad Guzan from a decent front post header. Dick Advocaat is reportedly looking for a new striker with likes of Adrian Ramos and Fabio Borini linked with moves to the northeast.
