Neil’s tactical tweaks during win were just the Job, says pundit

ALEX Neil ‘deserves credit’ for his decision to start Ellis Simms in an ‘exciting’ Sunderland front three for their victory at Bristol City.

That is the view of EFL pundit Jobi Mcanuf after Everton loanee Simms netted a debut double in the Black Cats’ 3-2 win at Ashton Gate.

Simms opened the scoring on Saturday afternoon after four minutes, only for Andreas Weimann to level the contest six minutes later.

Nigel Pearson’s side took the lead shortly after the interval through Chris Martin but Sunderland hit back instantly through Simms again.

The Black Cats went on to snatch all three points courtesy of Ross Stewart, the striker powering a header beyond Daniel Bentley.

It is Sunderland’s first victory back in the Championship and means Neil’s unbeaten side has picked up four points from its opening two fixtures. Simms inclusion in place of Elliot Embleton was the only change to the Black Cats’ starting eleven from the opening-day draw to Coventry City at the Stadium of Light.

Mcanuff praised Neil for the selection call, which allowed Alex Pritchard to take up a ‘more effective’ role in an ‘exciting’ frontline.

He said: “They have had a good start to life back in the Championship.

“I think Alex Neil deserves credit for sticking Ellis Simms up front. He was not involved last week but up with Ross Stewart they seemed to form a real potent strikeforce.

“Alex Pritchard dropping back into that number 10 position where, for me, he is a lot more effective.

“He is a natural player in that position.

From Sunderland’s point of view, it is really exciting to see that front three.”