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Sunderland’s last two results are more than welcome with this season’s solid, but unspectacular first quarter about to pass. It would be an odd-bod who changed their mind about the general state of affairs at the club after the wins over Sheffield United and MK Dons.
Both games in their own ways served to confirm what many of us thought. The main obstacle to Sunderland clambering out of League One is a psychological one.
At Bramall Lane in the League Cup, as at Burnley, they were given what the more verbose might refer to as skinchies. They faced opposition from two leagues higher and were therefore immune from criticism. Playing without worry gave them a certain freedom and they deservedly won both ties.
Back in League One against MK Dons it was a more familiar display, lent some panache by two excellent goals.
It was 2-0 at half-time and discussion in the gents (the section of the stadium where you can disregard the smoking law with complete impunity) was of satisfaction, rather than an expected goal glut in the second half. And so it proved.
The Dons’ goal was wholly expected. They hadn’t scored in their previous three games, but Sunderland’s inability to keep a clean sheet – one in 18 league games – is a column in itself.
The fans almost don’t mind conceding one, such is the near certainty of it. Of more concern is the mental fragility of their team once they have something to lose.
As soon as it was 2-1 Sunderland’s main concern was not conceding a second; rather than scoring a third.
This was despite opposition with a somewhat obliging defence. Ultimately it was only the final whistle that ended the game, not Sunderland’s front line, if you see what I mean.
“Oh well. We won” was the only analysis required. What else could be added?
So two wins in four days. Fine, but no sign of any real change. Sunderland still look destined for another stack of draws.
As I said, most of their p e a l
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