Cats boss sees squad options grow on encouraging night
This game had presented something of a headache for Lee Johnson.
In the wider context of the game,thatManchesterUnited had been able to successfully push for this tie to be played on a date not of Sunderland's choosingrepresentedthepower dynamics that have forced supporters of many lowerleague clubs to turn away from thiscompetition.And,asJohnson had pointed out, that it would turn into essentially an U23sgamewouldnotbeofmajorbenefittotheyoungplayers of either club.
More pressing in the short term was that with a crucial leaguegameinsuchcloseproximity and with a number of players on international duty, itlefthimwithnochoicebutto field a side with no senior players (Denver Hume's continued return from injury aside).
The end result, then, was mightily impressive.
Another confident and assured performance booked progression with a game to spare, leaving Johnson the opportunity to give his senior players another midweek rest when Bradford City visit next month, and to give this group anotherwell-earnedchanceto impress.
In the longer term, this encouraging week or so suggests that Johnson's potential options for the season at large
have grown.
That this was essentially an U23s game is of course a necessary caveat when assessing the performance, but many of those who had impressed against Lincoln City side a week earlier did so again here.
Not that Sunderland were dominant, by any stretch.
JoeHugillcausedproblems regularly on his Wearside return, sharp in his running off the shoulder and on another night,hewouldhaveregistered a brace. On the other flank, Dillon Hoogewerf was a regular threat, delivering the kind
of eye-catching performance that leaves you taking a note of the name.
That was a good test for Hume on the left flank, who was able to get 70 minutes under his belt. Sunderland, though, deserved their win.
After one fortunate escape when Hugill struck the post early on, they controlled much of the first half and were dominant at the start of the second. Itwasthesepassagesthatwere most significant for Johnson.
It was here, he said, that his side were recognisably 'Sunderland'. The pressing was
targeted and of impressive intensity,regularlyforcingerrors from the United backline and leading directly to the opening goal.
Sunderland's U23s results have been mixed this season buttheyhaveplayedsomegood football, noticeably shifting in style to mirror that of the first team. The result has been that when asked to step into Johnson's side, they have looked comfortable doing so.
It's all the more encouraging when you consider the current injury issues the head coach faces (though only Niall
Hugginswillbeoutforasignificant period), and will continue to face during a demanding schedule.
PlayerssuchasOllieYounger, Harrison Sohna and Stephen Wearne (you could go throughmostofthesideonthis front) have joined Ellis Taylor in showing they are capable of slotting into Johnson's squad, whether it be in cup competitions or league games.
It was another night that showed, as Johnson himself said, that Sunderland are developing a real playing identity now.