Highs and lows for Johnson on Wearside
LEE Johnson says the last seven weeks have taught him how quickly the emotional pendulum can swing on Wearside, writes JAMES HUNTER.
Sunderland’s run of three league defeats at the end of October and into November, along with an early FA Cup exit at the hands of League Two opposition, saw the head coach come under pressure as his side slid down the table.
However, the Black Cats have responded with a six-game unbeaten run which has returned 14 points, leaving them just two points behind leaders Rotherham and outside the automatic promotion places only on goal difference.
Johnson has spoken several times this season about ‘flattening the waves’ – remaining focused despite the inevitable peaks and troughs of mood stemming from results – and insists that was crucial in coming through the bad spell just over a month ago.
“I have learned in this phase of the season how emotions can swing,” he said following the 2-1 weekend win over Plymouth which means Sunderland are now averaging two points per game again.
“I have to stay consistent and look back at games objectively in my role.
“We have talked about it before but I have to flatten the waves and make sure we are always trying to drive improvements wherever that may be. We had a bad spell and now we are in a really good spell.
“We have maximised the opportunities we have had over the last six games and arguably we could have had even more points out of that run.
“However, consistency of performance is always the key to go on and be successful.”
Not only did Sunderland lose three successive league games but their performances also dipped – partly, it has to be said, due to a growing injury list.
Yet in recent weeks Sunderland’s displays have looked more like those earlier in the season – with more excitement and goals.
The Black Cats hammered Morecambe 5-0 a week ago and followed that up with a 2-1 home win against play-off hopefuls Plymouth.
Johnson added: “We want the fanbase to enjoy the games, that is part of it.
“We do want it to be end-to-end at times because that then allows us to use the speed of our front two.
“If teams are camped in it can be hard to break them down and we have seen that before.
“Our last two or three games I think have been a really good advert for League One and we have been able to capitalise on the space on the pitch because the lads are at it.”