Excitement turned to frustration as JD struggled to make a mark
Despite Sunderland’s dismal run of form and Saturday’s defeat by MK Dons, there was a small wave of excitement when the teams were announced for the Black Cats’ meeting with Burton Albion on Tuesday.
The inclusion of Jermain Defoe in the starting XI – his first start since returning to Wearside – was welcomed, yet it proved to be another frustrating evening for the side’s attacking players.
According to WhoScored. com, Defoe touched the ball just 16 times – less than any other Sunderland player who started – before he was replaced in the 70th minute.
In fact, Defoe regularly found himself dropping deep to try and become more involved in the play.
Of Defoe’s six received passes, only one came in the opposition’s penalty area, as the 39-year-old played more of a supporting role for Ross Stewart.
Like in the reverse fixture at the Pirelli Stadium, Burton proved tough opponents to break down as Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s side defended in numbers, especially when they took the lead courtesy of CameronBorthwick-Jackson’s strike in the 53rd minute.
That was highlighted by Sunderland’s average shot distance of 21.5 metres, their second highest total in a league game at home this season.
The other issue was the executionofcrossesintothebox.
AccordingtoWyscout,Sunderland
attempted 36 crosses against Burton, their highest figure in a league game this campaign,yetjustseven(19.44 per cent) found another home player.
Themajorityofthosecrosses
(28) came in the second half after the hosts switched to a backfourtoaccommodatetwo natural wingers.
While Defoe and Stewart were playing alongside each otherforoveranhour,Sunderland's forwards had few sights at goal.
It’s clear that after three games in charge, new Black Cats boss Alex Neil is still searching for the right attacking combination, while also trying to shore things up at the back.
While Sunderland started with two strikers here, they lacked natural width in the firsthalf,operatingwithaback three and wing-backs.
AfterthematchNeilsaidhe would have to ‘go back to the drawing board’.
He certainly has plenty to thinkaboutaheadofSaturday’s trip to second-placed Wigan Athletic.