Data backs up how Phil has revolutionised Sunderland
You’ll have struggled to see a more complete performance so far this year than that of Sunderland against Wycombe Wanderers.
With Phil Parkinson’s new style of play in full flow, the Black Cats were a joy to watch, and it only served to emphasise the host of positive, tactical changes the new Sunderland boss has introduced since his arrival - even if they did take some time to implement. But what does the performance data suggest about Parkinson’s side and the changes he has made?
Using data from Wy Scout s.P.a, we compared Sunderland’s home game with Wycombe to the trip to Adams Park in October - in what was Parkinson’s first game in charge-to fully understand the depth of the changes made by the Black Cats: TEAM SHAPE AND FLUIDITY: The3-4-3 used i nr ecent weeks seems to work well for the Black Cats and, while there is a clear system, fluidity and instinctiveness is encouraged.
Telling in Hume’ she at maps is the increase in touches in the opposition half during the home game. The full-back scarcely touches his ball in his own area, insteadefforts on the final third and contributing to the attacking phase.
Chris Maguire’s heatmaps, too, tell an interesting tale. He started on the right flank away at Wycombe, and stuck rigidly to his position. Under Parkinson, however, fluidity is encouraged - and Maguire is reaping the benefits.
The forward may be having less concentrated touches in the final third, but he is getting into positions where he can cause damage and work the magic Sunderland fans know he is capable of.
IN POSSESSION: The data suggests that Sunderland are actually seeing less of the ball - but are using it better.
Parkinson has long been known for his direct style and, while many associate this with playing long balls, his Sunderland side are proof that direct football can be attractive. Essentially, he wants to get the ball from one end of the pitch to the other in as few touches as possible.
It’s telling that the Black Cats only attempted 299 passes at home against Wycombe compared to the 326 they tried at A dams P ark-yet managed to score four goals as they shifted the ball quickly and incisively.
Parkinson, therefore, has his side using their touches on the ball to far greater effect
and moving the ball swiftly and with purpose rather than simply knocking it along the back three.
Sunderland are also completing more of their passes (76.92% at home against Wycombe, compared to 76.07% away from home) and when carrying the ball, Sunderland players are also losing the ball less - having been robbed of possession 111 times at home against the Chairboys, having surrendered territory 128 times when on the road. OUT OF POSSESSION: Leeds and Liverpool were quoted as two of Parkinson’s influences when he took the job at Sunderland - the 51-year-old keen to emulate their high-pressing, intense style of football. And he’ s slowly but surely getting his message across and implementing that style.
The Cats’ high press has been ruthless in their last two outings but, interestingly, the data suggests they are actually winning back the ball less than they were in his first game.
Sunderland recovered possession just 73 times against Wycombe at home, having won back the ball on 112 occasions at Adams Park.
The key though, is how and where Sunderland are winning back possession. A higher proportion of their recoveries at the Stadium of Light were in the final third, with the forward three pressing high and picking their moments. It’s a more targeted approach, and one which is yielding benefits for the Black Cats.
IN THE FINAL THIRD: Improvements in this area have been noticeable, with Sunderland creating and converting more chances.
Away at Wycombe, Sunderland had just nine shots( only one of which was on target) as they struggled to make an impact going forward. Now, the Cats have a clear attacking plan and are executing it to perfection, having six shots on target and an xG of 2.59 during the 4-0 win over the Chair boys( for comparison's sake, their xG in the away game was 0.52).
Sunderland had 17 shots in total during the game at the So Land are consistently creating that number of opportunities in recent weeks. And they remain clinical, with a 66% conversion rate in their last outing.
SOLIDIFYING THE DEFENCE: On the face of it, Sunderland look to be regressing defensively. Away at Wycombe, the Chair boys mustered just 12 shots-but managed to strike at goal 16 times during their heavy defeat on Wearside.
And while the numbers may seem concerning, this is simply a consequence of Parkinson’s style of play. It’s a risk-reward calculation - if Sunderland commit more players forward, they will naturally be more vulnerable on the counter-attack. Incisive and energetic teams could take advantage of that but, thus far, the rewards are certainly outweighing the risks.