Six key conclusions from Cats’ draw at Charlton
Sunderland’s draw at Charlto n Ath l et i c wa s p ro m i s - ing and frustrating in equal measure.
But what can we garner from the game? We take a look at six key conclusions Sunderland can draw from the stalemate:
Impressive defensive record continues
Four games in, and still onlyonegoalconceded.Andeven that was a penalty.
While Sunderland’s struggles elsewhere on the pitch will draw the headlines – and rightfully so – after another goal-shy showing, it’s worth once more acknowledging the strength of what lies behind them.
At the Valley, the Black Cats’ defensive unit once again showed their strength by keeping Charlton at bay for the majority of the game.
Even when down to ten men, Sunderland managed to restrict their opponents to only have chances – with Lee Burge untested throughout.
There will be sterner tests to come, with Charlton only posing a minimal threat until the late arrival of Chuks Aneke, but this is a very solid platform on which to build from. Scowen stakes his claim After a tepid showing last week, this was much more like it from Scowen.
Having been handed a chance in the absence of Max Power last week, it was something of a surprise that he retained his place in the capital given his limited impact against Peterborough.
Butthe27-year-oldgrasped his opportunity at The Valley with both hands as he put in a display far more akin to that we have come to expect from the former QPR man.
Indeed, it was telling that the Black Cats’ two best chances in the game came via his delivery.
First his corner was met by Bailey Wright, who was only denied by a fine Ben Amos save. Then as the first half drew to a close, his low cross was somehow turned over the bar by Danny Graham.
It’s those moments of quality that Scowen now needs to produce on a regular basis if he’s to retain his place in the
Sunderland engine room.
With Max Power back fit, George Dobson set to return from suspension and Grant Leadbitter in fine form, competition in the centre of the park is rife. But for now, one of the starting shirts looks to be Scowen’s.
Sunderland need to figure out how to get the best out of Lynden Gooch
A fortnight ago, it looked as if Gooch had cracked it.
Having been left out of the side for the League One opener, the American delivered a major impact off the bench at Oxford United and brought himself firmly back into contention.
But despite being handed starts in the two games since, Gooch’s impact has been limited. He has been asked to sit a little deeper, playing almost as an additional midfielder at times and limiting his involvement in the final third.
It’s there where Gooch can really do damage, and Sunderland need to figure out how best to unlock the undoubted quality that the academy grad
uate can bring.
The 24-year-old has the ability to be a key man this term, but it’s still unclear where he is best placed in order to make the most impact.
It’s a problem Phil Parkinson will surely have to mull over during the international break.
An injection of pace is sorely needed
As Sunderland enter the final weeks of the transfer market, there is one glaring area of the pitch which surely needs addressed. It’s been noted by many supporters that the Black Cats are sorely lacking some pace up top.
Parkinson noted in January that his squad was deprived of some ‘pace and power’, and little has changed since then.
While salary caps and squad limits will restrict the business Sunderland can do before October 16, there is still some scope to bring in players – and an attacking player with paceistopofmanysupporters’ wish lists.
Who can Sunderland
hang their hat on to score goals?
It’s a question that we still don’t have an answer to – and arguablyonewhichwehaven’t been able to answer with confidence since Josh Maja’s departure.
W h i l e th e re i s s o m e - thing to be said for goals being shared among a team, the vast majority of sides who win promotion from League One have a regular goalscorer who can be backed to find the net most weeks.
Right now, it’s hard to say that the Black Cats have any such individual.
Danny Graham led the line well at Charlton and found himself in a number of good areas – although that miss will undoubtedly cloud over what was otherwise a fairly promising display.
Charlie Wyke had little impact after entering the fray while Will Grigg was quickly deployed as a makeshift right winger following Tom Flanagan’s dismissal, limiting his chance to shine up top.
There is still time for a goalscorer to emerge from the crowd and stake their claim for that number nine shirt – and the sooner they do that, the better.
Leadbitter is quickly becoming the key cog
Sunderland’s first half performance was perhaps as good as we have seen this season, thanks in no small part to Leadbitter.
Having begun the season on the periphery of the firstteam squad, the experienced midfielder has quickly established himself as a key man – and was excellent at Charlton.
Calm and composed in the centre of the park, Leadbitter was at the heart of everything that was good about Sunderland’s play in the first half.
Hehelpeddriveattacksforward, picking the right passes and switching the play when appropriate, while defensively hebrokeupanumberofpromising Charlton attacks.
He’s now one of the first names on the team sheet and, if his performances continue in the same manner, he will be for some time to come.