‘MIRACLE WORKER’ NOT ON SIMON’S CV YET
SUNDERLAND were roundly accused of lacking fight last season, not least by one of their own players.
The same cannot be said of Simon Grayson’s side. Outplayed for long stretches against Sheffield Wednesday, the Black Cats demonstrated admirable durability and ran themselves to a standstill in earning a 1-1 draw this week.
Yet, for all their discipline and doggedness, it is difficult to see how such a limited side can challenge for promotion.
James Vaughan is brave and bullish but slower than a spring tide. Pace in general is scarce and, for all the set-piece prowess of Aiden McGeady, nobody in their ranks has that mercurial ability to change a match.
Grayson has spent hours on the training ground practicing setpieces, no doubt aware they represent the most likely route to victory.
Max Gradel, a summerlong target, would have altered the dynamic, but the French winger’s decision to opt for Toulouse means it is back to the drawing board.
As for strength in depth, Wednesday’s team sheet tells you everything. At 1-0 down, Carlos Carvalhal sent on Jordan Rhodes and Steven Fletcher, signed for a combined £16m. Fernando Forestieri didn’t even make the squad.
Only when tired legs could take no more did Grayson reluctantly summon Wahbi Khazri and Darron Gibson.
With Grayson around, survival is a certainty, but a place in the Premier League requires an injection of quality.