BLACK CATS CRUMBLE TO MK DONS

Things we learned from Sunderland’s 2-1 loss

SUNDERLAND threw away an early lead to lose 2-1 to a MK Dons side who had started the day in the 19th place in League One.

Max Power’s goal was cancelled out by Cameron Jerome, before Scott Fraser scored what turned out to be the winner from the penalty spot.

It was the Black Cats’ third defeat in a row after less important cup losses to Mansfield and Fleetwood.

Here are the key talking points.

The curious case of Will Grigg

For a second week in a row Grigg has featured in our talking points.

The Sunderland frontman was much better in the opening 45 minutes than he was against Mansfield the week prior.

His tenacity and high pressure almost forced an opening after just four minutes.

Grigg then did well to hold off his marker at the far post but could only head Gooch’s cross into the hands of Fisher.

It was a much better half for him, but his overall game will be marred by two golden chances that he should have done much better with.

The first saw Grant Leadbitter’s loft a ball into Grigg on the edge of the box baring down on goal.

He stuck a leg out to try and bring the ball down, but as strikers do when they’re shot of confidence he missed it.

It was a pivotal moment in the game with Sunderland enjoying a lot of the ball.

It’s chances like this that he should and must do better with.

Grigg then missed the chance of the game with an hour gone.

It was easier to miss – all he had to do was poke Gooch’s cross into the empty net but he glanced his shot wide.

His frustration was clear to see when he was substituted – hitting the hand railing as he headed to his seat in the stand.

Ultimately his missed chances have cost the Black Cats vital points yesterday.

Sunderland fans will be left scratching their heads – what has he

got to do to score?

Sunderland’s midfield void is crying out for a number 10

The lack of creativity and pace from midfield is quickly becoming a problem for the Black Cats.

There were too many times during the game where there was a huge void between the midfield and Sunderland’s front two.

A lot of the build up play went down either flank which made Phil Parkinson’s men very one dimensional.

It wasn’t until the introduction of Chris Maguire that the Black Cats actually filled the void, even then he failed to get into the game.

Some credit must go to MK Dons for the way they set up, but a lot of Sunderland’s play was lateral and laboured.

They’re crying out for a bit of pace in the middle – someone who’s able to get past players.

It took them until the 80th minute mark before they began to move the ball with some pace. Even then they were let down by their discipline – giving away a number of cheap freekicks as MK Dons wound the game down.

Sunderland’s high press

became laboured

The Black Cats came storming out of the blocks with an intense high press at the beginning of the first half.

Charlie Wyke, Will Grigg and Josh Scowen had the visitors playing towards their own goal in the opening encounters of the game.

The Black Cats forced an early opening after Grigg won the ball high up the pitch.

He drove into the box but his low cross just evaded Lynden Gooch who was powering in at the back post.

It’s fair to say that Sunderland weren’t able to maintain their early standards and MK Dons forced their way back into it.

There were brief spells where the Black Cats tried to up the tempo but to no avail.

It became laboured and sluggish.