Are forwards benefiting from current system?
Another question is: Does the current system get the best out of the striking options?
It’s definitely a tricky one to judge.
In the two games so far, Sunderland have created a lot of chances (aside from that first half against Oxford but in fairness, the home side created even less).
It’s just that over Parkinson’s tenure, the goals are predominantly scored by the attacking midfielders.
Both Chris Maguire and Lyn den Gooch’ s record in that time in terms of their attacking output is very good.
I think everyone knows, though, that a greater output from the centre-forward could be the key over the course of the campaign.
For all Sunderland are creating chances, their centre-forward does not receive the bulk of them.
That’s been the case whoever is playing up front.
Danny Graham and CharlieWykesu it Park in son’ s style, in terms of holding the ball up and bringing those dangerous attacking midfielders into play.
Grigg has struggled to really have an influence because he doesn’t seem to get many of those passes off the shoulder that he’s looking for.
Generally speaking, Sunderland’s attacking numbers so far this season are encouraging.
However, I do think the lack of chances for centreforwards is something that the manager will be looking at.
In fairness, though, you’d have to say in that second half at the Kassam Stadium, Sunderland were a wellfunctioning team.
Maintain that level and they’ll be a force this season.