Cats’ season starters - and how campaigns have gone
It has been a rollercoaster season for Sunderland, and a lot has changed since the Black Cats kicked off their 2021/22 campaign back in August.
Lee Johnson’s side came from behind to beat Wigan Athletic 2-1 at the Stadium of Light, with Aiden McGeady scoring from the penalty spot beforeRossStewartnettedthe winner.
Of the side which started that day, only four of them kicked off Sunderland’s playoff second leg against Sheffield Wednesday last week.
Thatisdowntoseveralfactors, including injuries, players leaving and a new head coach in Alex Neil.
Here’s the starting XI from the Wigan fixture on August 21, and a look at how their seasons have played out...
GK: Lee Burge - Burge played Sunderland's first three league games of the season before losing his place to Thorben Hoffmann. The 29-year-old is available again followinghisillnessbutwillbe out of contract this summer.
RB: Carl Winchester Sunderland’s first-choice right-back for most of the season but has unfortunately seen it cut short due to a groin injury.
CB: Tom Flanagan - After an impressive start to the season, Flanagan continued to play regularly in the heart of defence. It was a surprise
when the 30-year-old was sold to Shrewsbury Town in January.
CB: Callum Doyle - Still only 18, the Manchester City loanee was Flanagan’s regular defensive partner at the start ofthecampaignbuthasn’tfeatured anywhere near as much since Neil took charge.
LB: Dan Neil - Due to a shortage of full-backs at the start of the season, Neil was used in an unorthodox role. The 20-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign but hasn’t been a regular starter under Neil.
CM:CorryEvans-Sunderland’s captain impressed on his competitive debut for the club but struggled with injuriesandhisformatthestartof theseason.The31-year-oldhas been a key player under Neil, though, playing a big part in the side’s unbeaten run.
CM: Luke O’Nien - Like last season, O’Nien has played in several different positions, including centre midfield, wing-back and centre-back. After several months out following a shoulder surgery, he has been a regular starter in recent weeks.
RW: Lynden Gooch - Another player who has been moved around the field. Excellent against Wigan on the opening day but his campaign has been mixed since then. The 26-year-old played both games against Sheffield Wednesday at full-back.
CAM: Elliot Embleton - Impressed in the first few weeks of the season. The 23-year-old didn’t start either game in the play-off semi-finals but has still made some key contributions this campaign, chipping in with eight league goals and six assists.
LW: Aiden McGeady - Aftersigningaone-yearcontract extension last summer, it’s been a frustrating campaign for the 36-year-old, sidelined for most of it with a knee injury.
ST:RossStewart - The only player to start every league game this season. Stewart has been key, scoring 25 goals in League One ahead of the playoff final.
Manager: Lee Johnson Outofworksincebeingsacked at the end of January. He has been strongly linked with the Hibernian job.