Sunderland suffered another defeat, this time at the hands of newly promoted AFC Bournemouth. Two goals early in the first half gave The Cherries the three points. From a Sunderland perspective, what was learned and in some cases what occurred to back up supporters beliefs from Sunderland’s trip to Bournemouth?
John O’Shea is more important than we realise to Sunderland.
After last weeks defensive showing against Tottenham, when although not all was great, signs of improvements were emerging. Cut to the Bournemouth match and the old Sunderland defensive problems raised their heads once more. Younes Kaboul, who was a rock last week, was turned inside out by Bournemouth’s inform striker Callum Wilson. He was at fault for Bournemouth’s first goal and was eventually sent off in the second half. It has to be noted that nothing could be done about Bournemouth’s second goal – a goal that is surely a goal of the month winner and a goal of the season contender from Matt Richie’s brilliant volley into the top corner.
Once again Sebastian Coates, who came in for the ill John O’Shea did little to suggest that he can be a permanent fixture in a Premier League defence.
The poor defensive showing seemed to stem from one fact – O’Shea was missing. He may not be the best defender around and may not be every fans favourite, but it’s becoming apparent that when he’s missing from the Sunderland defence, they seem even more likely to ship goals in. Captain O’Shea was missing through illness and unfortunately no one else seemed to want to step up and take his place, yes Kaboul had the armband but that is where it ended. Sunderland have now conceded nine goals in the three league games that O’Shea has not played in.
Changes needed in defence, especially at fullback as soon as possible.
Anyone who has watched Sunderland this season knows that their main weakness is in defence. When on form, Kaboul and O’Shea can be solid, although this has happened only fleetingly this season. The fullback positions are a big problem. Patrick van Aanholt, who had a good second half to last season has been poor so far and is seen by the opposition as Sunderland’s weak link. At right back, Billy Jones is fairing little better. Adam Matthews, who signed from Celtic in the summer, has been injured and DeAndre Yedlin signed on loan from Tottenham on transfer deadline day. However both players are primarily right backs, which could still leave one side of the defence weak. The hope is that Patrick van Aanholt can regain some of the form he showed last season, otherwise a plan B and possible C will be needed.
Is Defoe low in confidence?
Jermain Defoe is currently Sunderland’s top scorer this season with five goals in all competitions, however three of those were against league two side Exeter City in the league cup.
Two games running Defoe has had glorious chances to score, he’s failed on each occasion. On the plus side he is getting into the right positions. Is it an issue of confidence or more about feeling the pressure of leading the line for a team desperate for its first league win of the season? Maybe its time to bench Defoe for one or two games and bring him on as an impact sub? New signing Fabio Borini has played either on the right or left of a front three since he signed, maybe its time for him to play in the central role and bring in someone else to play wide. This brings me on to my next point.
Is it time to unleash Duncan Watmore?
I recently wrote an article where I predicted that it was only a matter of time for Duncan Watmore. Maybe that time is now. Illness ruled him out of the squad for the Bournemouth game and the way things went for Sunderland, if he was available he surely would have featured from the bench.
Watmore has appeared several times so far this season for the first team, scoring twice when coming on from the bench. He has also continued the form that saw him named Barclays Under 21 Player of the Season last campaign whilst playing for the Sunderland U21 side. Although still young, he has proved at the recent Toulon Tournament, his recent England U21 debut, and his brief appearances in the Sunderland first team that he is ready for the top tier of professional English football. And with him being a somewhat unknown quantity to many Premier League defenders, he is maybe just what Sunderland need right now.
Play from the first whistle.
It appears that it takes Sunderland too long to get going in a game at times, and inevitably they will find themselves behind. This is not a new thing; it’s an unwanted trend that’s been around for several seasons now. Sunderland were known, especially at home, to be a team that would start quickly, get the crowd onside from the off, and not let the opposition settle. In recent times, opponents for the vast majority of games get an easy start, have time to settle, and play how they want to. In the likes of Lens, Defoe, Borini and Watmore etc Sunderland can take the game to the opposition straight away. Maybe now is the time to get back to basics; get at the opposition from the first whistle, rather than trying to feel themselves into the game, which by they time they have done so, they inevitably find themselves chasing the game.
Fixtures wise, Sunderland have a tough time coming up. Manchester City in the league cup, Manchester United in the league away, followed by in -form West Ham United and a derby against rivals Newcastle United. The Newcastle game is looking increasingly like a must win for both clubs, even at such an early stage in the season. Sunderland fans will stick with the club through thick and thin but Dick Advocaat and the team must find a winning formula sooner rather than later. No-one will be wanting to go into the derby without a league win under their belt.
