Black Cats claw back point in worst show for Johnson yet
TWO screamers from Jordan Jones and Chris Maguire saw Sunderland steal a point from the clutches of defeat.
Lee Johnson made one change to the side that defeated Fleetwood Town in midweek; Josh Scowen returned from injury in place of Grant Leadbitter.
The Black Cats were second best throughout the entire game but stole it at the death.
Here are some of the key talking points from Sunderland’s draw with Crewe.
DISMAL START
Black Cats fans will be relieved that their side came away with a point after a poor showing at Gresty Road.
Sunderland were second best for large parts of the game and were far too sloppy yesterday afternoon.
They tried to flick the ball to team mates rather than getting a foot on it and lost possession too easily.
It didn’t click for Sunderland inside the first half despite Lynden Gooch forcing Dave Richards into a brilliant save with a first time volley from the edge of the area.
The hosts had a comfortable twogoal cushion at the break which was thoroughly deserved.
It was a real untidy first half performance from Johnson’s side and the hosts took the lead through Chris Porter.
They added a second before halftime to leave Sunderland with a mountain to climb.
It was easily one of the worst halves of football since Johnson arrived on Wearside.
A GAME TOO FAR FOR THE MAKESHIFT DEFENCE
Sunderland’s defensive frailties were all too clear as Crewe dominated for around 75 minutes at Gresty Road. The whole team was left wanting. Callum Mcfadzean has been singled out for his performances in recent
– sometimes unfairly.
But he can have no complaints today. He should have done much better to get across Chris Porter for the opener. He was two to three yards away from the frontman as he tapped home into an empty net.
The Black Cats full-back was culpable again as Mandron got round him easily and cut the ball back for the second.
The whole back line was off the pace and panicked under the pressure of the Crewe frontline.
FROM BAD TO WORSE FOR SUNDERLAND
Sunderland’s afternoon went from bad to worse when Grant Leadbitter collapsed in a heap just seconds after coming on.
The 35-yearold hit the deck before getting back to his feet and signalling to the bench he couldn’t continue.
It looked as though it was a shoulder injury
and his cries of pain could be heard from around Gresty Road.
You felt that it was a game Leadbitter would have been able to swing in the balance for Johnson’s side.
JORDAN JONES AND CHRIS MAGUIRE PERFORMANCES A CONSOLATION
Johnson’s quadruple change just after the hour mark gave Sunderland a slight lift in the second-half.
The only consolation from a poor showing was the performance of Jordan Jones.
He opened his Black Cats account in fine fashion – cutting in from the left and blasting the ball into the top right-hand corner beyond Richards.
He gave Sunderland a new lease of life down the left channel.
Chris Maguire must also receive some credit for his late winner and threat from set pieces. Twice he put dangerous balls into the box with Sunderland on the hunt for an equaliser, but they couldn’t capitalise.
He took it upon himself to lash home an incredible volley from the edge of the area to nick a point from the jaws of defeat.
Both players will be hoping to start on Tuesday night.