HERE’S SIX THINGS WHAT WE LEARNED FROM THE 4-1 WIN AT GILLINGHAM
THINGS WE LEARNED...
Sunderland fell behind within the space of 1 three minutes. It was a poor goal to concede, Gillingham able to whip in a cross before Tom Eaves nodded home. Jon McLaughlin came but got nowhere near it. His first error in a Sunderland shirt. Ross was stern faced. Within 90 seconds he was celebrating along with the rest of the bench. Chris Maguire nodding Sunderland level. It was a stunning response.
Jack Baldwin was outstanding at 2 the back The summer signing is proving to be a fans’ favourite after an impressive start to his career on Wearside. Baldwin, comfortable with the ball at his feet, is an all action defender. He has a mistake in him but will throw his head and body in the way of anything and he reads the game well.
Sunderland had to fight to the end 3 On paper it looked a comfortable evening’s work, winning by a three goal margin. Yet, in reality it was anything but. Sunderland may have stormed into a 3-1 lead within 20 minutes but they were hanging on defensively towards the end of the half. It wasn’t as comfortable as the scoreline may have suggested but it was another thrilling and entertaining victory. Roll on AFC Wimbledon.
Teams can’t cope with 4 Sunderland’s relentless energy and fluid system Sunderland lined up with a 3-5-2 system but players often switch positions, outwitting their opponents. This Sunderland side are physically a cut above too, it isn’t half entertaining to watch.
Sunderland clinical in their 5 finishing Sunderland only had four shots on target - and they scored from all four of them. Remarkable really given the frantic nature of the game, Maja continues to blossom, scoring his fourth goal in as many league games. A remarkable start. His stunning form has eased the pressure on the need for an additional striker, with Charlie Wyke due back in training next week.
Sunderland fans play their part 6 Ross summed it up when he hailed the ‘unbelievable commitment’ of the Sunderland fans. Gillingham away is a 600-mile round-trip - in midweek - yet the Black Cats were backed by more than 2,000 supporters. A fair chunk would have been Sunderland fans based in the south but still that is a remarkable away crowd for such a long journey - at any level.