From A to...D: Sunderland’s grades at the half-term stage
Sunderland’s promotion prospects look a little brighter as they reach the halfway point of a season like no other.
The impact of COVID-19 has been felt both off the pitch and on it, in another campaign where indifferent form has seen another change in the Black Cats dugout.
The departure of Phil Parkinson and the arrival of Lee Johnson has unsurprisingly seen some changes in the matchday squads, and it still feels as if there are places up for grabs as the second half of the season begins.
So who is enjoying a strong campaign, and who has work to do between now and May?
Here, Phil Smith takes a closer look at every senior player to have played in League One – and their campaign so far…
LEE BURGE
One or two errors along the way but by and large Burge has been a steady performer. His distribution is an ongoing work in progress but has performed relatively
consistently. B
REMI MATTHEWS
Has struggled to make an impact. Made some early errors in Papa John’s action and has never been able to make much of an impression as a result. D
CONOR McLAUGHLIN A hernia issue has hampered his progress. That some of his best performances came as he was battling that injury also reflects well on his character. After a bitterly disappointing first season on Wearside, he has been a dependable squad player this year. B
TOM FLANAGAN
Through two managers he has been a consistent presence, which is testament to the general improvements in his game. A steady performer providing good competition to Johnson’s main defensive options. B
JORDAN WILLIS
His two most recent performances are a timely reminder of just what a good player he is. Has endured some more knee frustration but Sunderland need him if they are to make a real push for the top two. B+
BAILEY WRIGHT
Looked one of the best in the division in the middle of the back three, where he was well protected and able to show his excellent defensive attributes. The move to a back four and a more expansive style presents some challenges. A steadying presence amid the pressure. B+
LUKE O’NIEN
Has been a very steady performer as expected, but feels as if a big few months lie ahead as he and Johnson try to cement a long-term position for him. It still feels as if he has something to offer in midfield and it’s a positive, not a negative, that there looks to be more to come. B
DION SANDERSON
Sanderson’s loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers has been a curious one. He has left no one in any doubt as to his quality and his potential, yet where he fits into this Sunderland side on a regular basis remains uncertain. His best performances have come at centre-back, where his pace is a real asset and his class in possession looks a cut above the level. Yet Johnson’s current pairing there is being picked on merit. B
DENVER HUME
Injuries have hampered his encouraging progress. His absence has underlined what an important player he is in terms of the team’s attacking balance, and his defensive attributes are improving too. B
CALLUM McFADZEAN
Had a very steady start to his Sunderland career but a switch to a back four under Johnson has not suited him on the whole. That the Black Cats have searched for a new left-back while Hume is injured reflects some concerns in this area of the pitch. C
MAX POWER
Struggled for consistency in midfield and seems more effective in his new role at
right-back. If he stays there, he will have a big part to play in the second half of the season as he tries to bring an attacking threat on the overlap. His leadership has always been key for Sunderland. B
CHRIS MAGUIRE
Is struggling to get much of a look in under Johnson and the rise of Sunderland’s young forwards leaves him fighting for minutes as he enters the final six months of his deal. No question that he has the quality to be a key player, but the consistency has not been there this season. C
JOSH SCOWEN
A bit of an enigma. Has made himself a regular through recent months and his energy in the middle of the pitch is a really important attribute for Johnson as he tries to implement a high press. Yet it’s also undoubtedly true that the Black Cats need more both on the ball and in the final third. B
ELLIOT EMBLETON
A difficult one to assess. There was more injury frustration at the beginning, and at the turn of the year he has still yet to be given a really consistent run of games. Conversely, he has definitively established himself in Johnson’s squad and his ability to create chances is going to be key. A massive five months lies ahead. C+
GRANT LEADBITTER
His form has been one of the most enjoyable aspects of the first half of this season. A promotion back to the Championship would be a fitting reward for his commitment. It’s to his credit that he clearly has such a big part to play. A
DAN NEIL
He perhaps would have hoped for more minutes but it has been a positive season so far in that he has shown
beyond question that he has a big, long-term future at the club. B
LYNDEN GOOCH
An absolutely essential member of the squad, even if his versatility sometimes means he doesn’t benefit from a consistent run in one position. Tailor-made for Johnson’s gamestyle, and the head coach has made improving his poise in the final third a priority. Achieve that, and a solid campaign can become a very good one. B
AIDEN McGEADY
Has understandably been a touch inconsistent after returning to the side. Is still building his match rhythm and fitness, but has already made some important contributions. Has real competition for his place now Gooch is fit and Embleton’s threat is growing. C+
Johnson’s arrival could prove to be the turning point in Diamond’s Sunderland career, a shift in formation finally allowing him a chance to impress in his favoured right-wing role. He has brought a welcome change of pace and even if his end product needs work, his willingness to run at players means he will have a big part to play. B+
CHARLIE WYKE
In truth, 15 goals in 27 appearances – before Saturday – speaks for itself. Consistency of all-round performance is still something for Wyke to improve on but the side finally seem to be playing to his strengths as a poacher, rather than a target man. His growing confidence has been a joy to watch. A
AIDEN O’BRIEN
O’Brien’s Sunderland career feels as if it has already had three chapters. In the early stages of his arrival he was a lively, effective player, but some glaring missed chances seemed to take their toll and his influence waned considerably. Under Johnson he is bouncing back, enjoying a return to a central role which has in turn helped Wyke show his best. If it continues then the post-season assessment will be far brighter. C+
DANNY GRAHAM
A smart goal on debut in the EFL Trophy raised hopes that this second spell at the Stadium of Light would be a successful one but it has not worked out since. Graham has struggled to make an impact and looks well down the pecking order. D
WILL GRIGG
Some of Grigg’s performances in pre-season and the early weeks of the campaign were promising, but that goal never came and four months on he is still searching. Grigg should in theory benefit from the shift in approach under Johnson but there are major question marks over whether a revival is realistic this far on from his arrival. That both parties are weighing up a January loan is a reflection of that. D