A real game of two halves for ‘typical Sunderland’
The half-time verdict of supporters could be summed up in two words: typical Sunderland.
After a week which yielded more positive behind the scenes changes, three consecutivewins for the first time in a year and more than a flicker of optimism among the fanbase, of course Sunderland were 2-0 down at Crewe at the break.
Of course they had put in a woeful display, arguably their worst 45 minutes spell of the season so far.
And of course, a former Sunderland player had played a key role in both the goals. What could be more typical Sunderland than that?
The script, it seemed, was already written. This was going to be yet another anti-climax; a tragic end to what was otherwise a terrific week.
But if we're learning anything about the side under Lee Johnson, it's that the phrase 'typical Sunderland' is starting to take on an altogether different meaning.
Though before we can talk about the positives that can be garnered from a remarkable afternoon we must unpick what was a dire opening half.
It’s not hyperbolic to say that this was safely the worst 45 minute period we have seen under Johnson, and potentially the worst of the season thus far. Sunderland were comfortably second best in every department against a Crewe side who took the game to their visitors and displayed the energy and enthusiasm that was so evidently lacking in their opposition.
In a week where Johnson had compared his ideal style of football as akin to ice hockey, this was a first half showing that had all of the carnage but little of the class associated with that particular sport.
The Black Cats were all at sea at the back, and the warning signs were there early on.
Only a timely Dion Sanderson clearance stopped Charlie Kirk from flicking home after Sunderland somehow managed to surrender possession immediately from their own throw-in.
Sanderson was once again impressive but as a unit, the visiting back line far from coveredthemselves in glory–with Callum McFadzean in particular enduring an afternoon to forget.
It was perhaps no surprise, then, that it was he who opened the scoring with a simple finish after good work from Mikael Mandron. It was such a poor goal to concede, and one you hoped would spark Sunderland into life. It didn't.
As the half wore on it was Crewe who continued to push forward. They doubled their lead through Tom Lower y–another soft goal, and one which again owed much to the work of former Sunderland youngster Mandron – and the half-time score of 2-0 arguably flattered the Wearsiders.
Only Gooch had come close to finding the net for the visitors with a well-hit volley from range, as the side spent most of the half fending off Crewe pressure.
Changes at the break were expected, and it was something of a surprise to see Sunderland emerge from the tunnel unchanged (although Johnson did later admit he considered making all five allowed switches at the interval ).
The second half was an improvement, but it wasn’t until the quadruple change just before the hour mark that the visitors really stepped-up a gear.
Those introductions saw a notable push to attack, with Sunderland placing Crewe under some real pressure.
But this wasn’t a day for some of the pretty football we’ve seen in recent weeks. A more direct approach was required, and that was exactly what was delivered when Jordan Jones cut inside and arrowed a fine shot into the top corner. It was the moment of quality Sunderland had needed all game, and from there on out it was one-way traffic.
Indeed, the Black Cats could have been level twice within minutes of Jones’ strike as two Chris Maguire deliveries came agonisingly close to being turned home by Luke O’Nien and then Sanderson.
The large amount of injury time that was signalled following the injury to substitute Grant Leadbitter – which, along with the first-half display, was the major concern of the afternoon–presented Sunderland an opportunity. And having come so close to deliveringa leveller through his set piece deliveries, it was fitting that Maguire netted the equaliserwith a strike of real quality.
It underlined the fact that the S cot undoubtedly has a role to play in the coming weeks.
We know he can deliver that kind of quality, and it was a strike Maguire and his team-mates clearly enjoyed.
Not that they had much time to celebrate, as they sensed an opportunity to go for maximum points in the remaining two minutes of added time and quickly retreated back to their half to restart the game.
That in itself is indicative of the attitude and confidence in this side at present. It’s a comment that is often trotted out after games of this nature, but this is a fixture that Sunderland certainly wouldn’t have taken anything from a few months – or perhaps even weeks – ago.
Under Johnson, the side are developing a knack of picking up vital points even when the performances aren't vintage.
That’s not a bad thing to be considered as typical Sunderland.