NEW STRIKER IS NEEDED ... AND FEWER RED CARDS
SIX THINGS WE LEARNED FROM SATURDAY’S DRAW WITH LUTON TOWN
Sunderland were held to a 1-1 draw at home to promotion rivals Luton Town following an entertaining afternoon at the Stadium of Light.
Here’s what we learned from the draw. fall behind early on against Luton.
Goalkeepers cost Sunderland a lot of points last season, arguably anywhere between 15 to 20, so to have a reliable No.1 between the sticks is of paramount importance.
McLaughlin is Mr Reliable and he proved his worth again against Luton. time he featured.
And his absence was keenly felt against Luton.
Sunderland lacking a link-up between midfield and striker Charlie Wyke. Sunderland miss his relentless energy, especially when pressing sides.
Lee Cattermole will return at Scunthorpe following a two-game suspension but Honeyman return is key. the game, in added-on time the impact on the result was minimal.
But he now faces a threegame ban unless Sunderland can launch a successful appeal, replays looked inconclusive.
Sunderland have now had six straight reds, though one of Max Power’s three was rescinded. Bryan Oviedo, Glenn Loovens the others to see red. Far too many. It is hurting the promotion push. of the 15-goal top scorer a huge blow.
Charlie Wyke works hard but hasn’t looked clinical since returning to the side, and had a difficult afternoon against the Luton Town defence.
Duncan Watmore was missing with his groin injury and Jerome Sinclair’s loan from Watford ended.
The need to bring in another striker is clear. Sunderland are working hard on that. It is definitely needed, the Black Cats haven’t scored more than one goal in a league game since midDecember.