Coleman facing major task to change fortunes
Chris Coleman had insisted he knew what he was walking into at Sunderland, and Saturday’s latest home implosion will have underlined it.
It was a strange afternoon, unquestionably transformed by the bizarre red card picked up by Callum McManaman.
Had he converted without the use of his arm, Sunderland could have gone into the break in a superb position to end their home duck and further boost the mood that was transformed by the win at Burton Albion.
As it happened, Sunderland’s old failings ended up being laid bare once more as the defence switched off, the midfield folded and the attack floundered.
Three games in and Coleman has seen some promising signs, a good response from his squad to a stark change in footballing philosophy, but also enough errors and shortcomings to see that this season is a relegation fight and beating it will not be a formality.
He has also had to contend with an injury crisis and there is no doubt his starting XI would have looked very different had the likes of Jonny Williams and Duncan Watmore been available.
So far he has found a good balance in his public discussions, talking up the positives but making it clear that whether it be in selection, training or prematch routines, he will do whatever it takes.
We take a look at the big talking points from Coleman’s time in charge so far...
A new keeper still a priority
Coleman has talked up both of his goalkeepers but a short-term fix in January is still a priority.
Teams can succeed without an outstanding goalkeeper but it is a rarity, and it is no coincidence that in Sunderland’s promotion seasons of late they have invariably had consistency between the goalposts.
Coleman made a brave and good call in persisting with Ruiter for the Aston Villa game, and was rewarded with a clean sheet days later at Burton Albion.
Ruiter has shown he has the capacity to bounce back from errors and as Coleman looks to encourage his side to play out from the back, the Dutchman probably has the edge in that department.
Modou Barrow’s tame goal in the 3-1 defeat at the weekend, however, showed that it is a department in which Sunderland are still vulnerable.
In both the short and long term, there is no bigger step Coleman can take to arrest the slide than to make a successful signing in this position. If Danny Ward can be tempted away from Liverpool, even if only for a few months, it could make all the difference.
Coleman’s strategy has plenty of plus points... but two key drawbacks
The frustration with the slow approach in the first half against Reading was understandable, but it has been refreshing to see Sunderland approach games with a clear
Sunderland’s old failings ended up being laid bare once more.