Bad footballe the reason fo
As feared, as soon as Sunderland had three available centre-backs, they reverted to five at the back. Undeterred by trifling concerns, such as what might be called “overwhelming evidence to the contrary”, this is what they persist with. It doesn’t work. I have mentioned this before, but make no apologies for doing so again. In fact I think I’ll have another pop.
Five at the back doesn’t work, doesn’t work, doesn’t work, doesn’t ...
They don’t look any less secure with a back four, so it’s almost like playing with 10 men from the start (as opposed to when the latest idiotic red card is collected).
As proven yet again against Preston, a Sunderland back five will still concede stupid goals while simultaneously lowering the chances further of scoring themselves, because a midfielder or striker has been sacrificed. Then there is the personnel. With one goal in four games you might think it politic to play your most creative player and extant top scorer.
But nah. Aiden McGeady must pay for everyone’s shortcomings.
We all know how inconsistent McGeady is.
But no acceptable explanation exists for eschewing him in favour of people who just aren’t good enough.
He didn’t even come off the bench. But Ashley Fletcher did. This column was somewhat blunt and uncomplimentary about young Ashley last week.
An apology for this is not imminent.
Although mercifully a nonstarter, he was given the final third of the match with an audible groan meeting his introduction.