New shape gives Gooch a licence to roam - boss
LEE Johnson says Sunderland’s return to a back four has made players such as Lynden Gooch more effective going forward, writes JAMES HUNTER.
The Black Cats have played with three central defenders in a back five in recent games, but – despite keeping the same personnel – switched to a four for the midweek 5-0 win against Morecambe.
They again started with a four this weekend and raced into a 2-0 lead against Plymouth inside 15 minutes on their way to a 2-1 victory.
With all Sunderland’s specialist full-backs injured, Gooch has played at left-back in the back four and from that position he produced two assists against Morecambe and also set up chances against Plymouth.
The only downside was that Gooch had to go off at half-time against Plymouth after picking up a groin problem and that meant another reshuffle and a switch to a back five.
Johnson said: “In the last two games we have started with four at the back but it has had to be a lop-sided four.
“What I’ve had to do is find ways to get certain players on the front foot.
“Goochy has the licence to go as high as he like, but it’s important everybody shuffles around really quickly.
“Sometimes it will look like a five but actually it’s a 4-2-3-1, then in this game we had to move to a five.
“We actually conceded in a five, but I don’t think that the shape had any relevance.
“Sometimes you need to match up, match your opponent athletically, and have the clarity to go toe-to-toe and one-vs-one.”
In the second half, referee Scott Oldham lost control of the game at times, ignoring what appeared to be clear-cut free-kicks which incensed the Sunderland fans and Johnson himself.
Johnson, who was booked by the official at one point, said: “I actually got booked for applauding a great tackle from Tom Flanagan! I’m not going to talk about the referee - I’d rather praise the players for the way they dealt with it.”