Cats are quickly improving due to Johnson’s tactical changes
In a period of real change at Sunderland, we’re finally starting to see some green shoots.
The last week has brought a change in structure, a change in the dugout and some element of change at the very top of the club is expected to come in the near future. But one of the biggest changes has come on the field.
Sunderland, for so long ingrained in the 3-4-3 formation preferred by Phil Parkinson, are starting to forge a new style under Lee Johnson.
We’ve only seen the Black Cats under their new head coach twice, with Johnson only able to benefit from one training session between the two games, but some changes have been quick and effective.
So what has changed under Lee Johnson from a tactical perspective? We take a look:
THE SYSTEM: Both of Johnson’s games so far have seen Sunderland start in a 4-33 – and this looks to be the route he will take moving forward. But it’s already been suggested by both Johnson and sporting director Kristjaan Speakman that the Black Cats need to be flexible. The previous managerial team stuck rigidly to a 3-4-3 or 3-5-2, and rarely mixed things up.
S o f a r, Jo h n s o n h a s n’ t changed his shape much either. You could argue there hasn’t been much cause to, given that Sunderland have attacked well in both his games thus far (even considering the disappointing Wigan result).
The true test of flexibility will come in time, with fans keen to see the side develop a more effective plan B. And the system isn’t the only thing Johnson has changed, either. that Sunderland are improving on where they deliver the ball from.
A look at their crossing map from the Burton Albion game shows that 17 out of the 40 crosses were attempted from further than 18 yards out. Get the ball, and pump it into the box. At Oldham, though, only onedeliverycamefromfurther than the edge of the box – and that was because Max Power cleverly spotted Will Grigg making an intelligent run into space.
Rather than shelling the ball aimlessly into the box, Sunderland are forging better crossing opportunities and ensuring their deliveries come from areas which are more likely to yield positive opportunities. In time, you would hope that will pay off.
THESHACKLESAREOFF: Sunderland were robust under Phil Parkinson. They were generally well-organised, disciplined in their shape and had a clear plan.
But at times, there was little scope for individual flair. It was akin to playing football by numbers, with the players well-drilled in what to do – but they weren’t executing those moments of brilliance that can so often win games.
The adventurous run, the little bit of trickery, the moment of inventiveness that can unlock defences was absent for in the opening weeks of the the shacklesofdefensiveduties so long. season. should help Sunderland with
That’s not to say there won’t Against Burton, in the final one of their major problems in those little moments of genius game before Johnson’s arrivrecent months: putting the ball – you need only think back to al, there were times where the in the back of the net. some of the games after the lone striker was the only man While there will undoubtturn of the year when Lynden in the box. And on most occaedly be a large element of strucGooch took matters into his sions when balls were swung ture under Johnson – as there own hands – but it’s fair to say into the box, there were only a would be under any manager Sunderland weren’t the most couple of players in the danger – it's encouraging to see that expressive of sides in an attackarea. Sunderland's attacking talents ing sense. But at Oldham, Max Power are able to express themselves
We’ve already seen some and Josh Scowen were given that little bit more. small signs that suggest this the green light to push higher Here’s hoping that continues.won’tbethecaseunderJohn-upthefieldandgetintoareas son. Even something as simwhere they can hurt the oppoBUT SOME WORK TO BE ple as getting bodies in the box sition. DONE… While there is plenty – something which Johnson Giving the duo the freedom to be said for players being exhas alluded to early on – has to join in with the attacking pressive and having freedom seen a marked improvement phase and slightly removing in the final third, the backline
THE DELIVERIES INTO THE BOX:
Sunderland have topped the League One charts for deliveries into the box for much of the season. But there have been question marks over how effective these deliveries into the box have been.
A high number of crosses is all well and good, but it means nothing if they aren’t leading to chances. And in recent weeks, they haven’t been.
T h o s e que s t i o n m a rk s haven’t quite disappeared yet, and the fact that only 24 per cent of the Black Cats’ crosses at Oldham were accurate suggests there is work to be done.
There is encouragement to be taken, though, in the fact needs to remain solid. And we saw on Tuesday evening that, as Sunderland commit players forward, they could be vulnerable on the transition if teams can break quickly.
Oldham did that, and with visiting players tracking back, found plenty of space to forge a chance that eventually led to a goal.
Improvementsonthatfront will come with time, as players become accustomed to the system and what is expected of them when teams quickly counter. But it’s something to be wary of in the short-term, with some tricky fixtures on the horizon.