So close yet so far for Sunderland as they searched for their first league win of the season. For the first 44 minutes, Sunderland played their best football for many a game at the Stadium of Light and should have been out of sight by half time. Sunderland raced into a two-goal lead with two excellent strikes from Steven Fletcher and Jeremain Lens, however, upon the chime of 45 minutes, West Ham undeservedly got back into the game. Jeremain Lens was sent off just before West Ham equalised. The full-time score was 2-2, and here is what was learned from the game.
What was learned from Sunderland vs. West Ham United?
Sunderland can play attractive attacking football
For the first 44 minutes, Sunderland showed that they can play as a team, showcasing attractive attacking football. Sunderland passed the ball confidently and created chances. The first goal was a classic training ground move, the second a superbly confident chip. With the Stadium of Light rocking, the Black Cats could have – and should have – been clear by half time. However, as we all know, football games last longer than 44 minutes.
Defence looked more confident without Patrick van Aanholt
It was no surprise to learn that Dick Advocaat, in what was his last game in charge, had decided to drop Patrick van Aanholt. Billy Jones switched to left-back with new signing, DeAndre Yedlin, coming in at right-back for his first Premier League start. Sunderland passed the ball around the back confidently and, for the vast majority of the first half especially, they dealt with any West Ham attack with ease. Each defender stuck to their job and each looked like they trusted the others.
Sunderland defender and captain, John O’Shea, said “At Sunderland now, you have to have a level of attitude that you show every game – not just turning it on and off. If we do that, we know we’ll cause teams problems, as we did in the first half on Saturday.” On losing a two goal lead, O’Shea added “We missed a great couple of chances and then West Ham got into it on the stroke of half-time, and then there’s the red card. From a game where you’re in such control, played great stuff, scored good goals, it’s one of those things.” (Source: The Shields Gazette).
Cattermole back to best
Lee Cattermole looked like he was back to his best. Assured in the tackle, confident on the ball and making sure everyone around him stuck to their role by shouting out commands and encouragement when required. He and Yann M’Vila in the centre were rocks for a lot of the game, breaking up play and providing the heartbeat in the Sunderland side. A fit and on form Lee Cattermole is one of Sunderland’s most important players and, as far as the team and the fans are concerned, long may it continue.
Lens has learned his lesson
With regards to tracking back, that is. As far as tackling is concerned, he needs plenty more practice. Jeremain Lens was Sunderland’s Jekyll and Hyde in this game; Lens has been accused, and rightly so, of not tracking back and not helping out defensively. During the fixture, he tracked back, helped out his full-back when it was needed and he also contributed going forward and scored an excellent goal. However, he did get sent off with the game delicately poised at 2-1. With 11 men on the field, Sunderland may well have gone on to claim all three points. However, it could have so easily have been a West Ham victory.
What a difference a goal makes
It’s not often that Sunderland go in front; the confidence it gave the team was there for all to see. It also seemed to give goal-scorer, Steven Fletcher, a massive boost, too. For quite some time he has struggled for goals and form. During the game against West Ham, he had one of his best in a red white shirt for quite some time; he was lively, a threat to the opposing defence, and worked hard for the team.
Sunderland must retain concentration for a whole half
Sunderland have been guilty of not concentrating at the start of games; during the last two, they have been unable to get to half-time without conceding late in the first 45. Sunderland should have been three, maybe even more, ahead by half-time, however, they were still looking comfortable until right on the stroke of the break, when West Ham undeservedly got themselves back into shape. Whether it was deserved or not, Sunderland still have to learn that a half of football lasts until the referee’s whistle.
After the game, Dick Advocaat, who took charge of Sunderland for the last time, had this to say on the game: “The performance has to lift the spirits. We showed if we work hard, we can get points and results, because West Ham are a good side and we know they have had good results in their away games, so I have to give compliments for their performance.” (Source: BBC Sport).
Sunderland played very well, especially in the first half and, if they can play like that for the remainder of the season, then they have a chance of staying in this league. However, there are still issues that need resolving. With Head Coach, Dick Advocaat, leaving and the Sporting Director, Lee Congerton, also reportedly on his way out, any issues at Sunderland will not be restricted to the pitch. Sunderland supporters will have taken more positives than negatives from the game against West Ham, and have every right to believe that their team can stay where it belongs: in the Premier League. It will be tough, though, very tough.
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