Although still sitting in the relegation zone, Sunderland are on a small high at the minute going into the game against Stoke City. Sunderland won their first away game of the season away at Crystal Palace on Monday night, keeping a clean sheet in the process. Sunderland have been in a similar situation once already this season after beating rivals Newcastle 3-0, however it took until last Monday to record a second victory for the season, so fans would be wise not to get too carried away just yet.
Sunderland Attack Looking Good Ahead Of Stoke Clash
The clean sheet in their last match was obviously most welcome and although the defending may not fill all with confidence it was a step in the right direction. In the attacking half of the field Sunderland look to be in strong situation with seven forwards, several of them internationals, looking to fill the two forward positions, if as is expected Sam Allardyce sticks with the 3-5-2 formation that worked last time out.
Jermain Defoe with seven goals so far this season has been partnered with Scottish international Steven Fletcher recently. Both have been amongst the goals of late with Fletcher also scoring regularly for Scotland. Some may say that some of Fletcher’s international goals of late were against lesser opposition but you can only score against who your up against, lets not forget he also netted against Poland with one of the best strikes of his career. He also scored recently against Everton who are no pushovers. Both Fletcher and Defoe have played as a lone striker for the Black Cats on many occasions but both seem far happier with a strike partner. A good partnership seems to be developing here and fans will be hoping it can continue to develop. Defoe went off injured against Palace but is expected to be declared fit to play against Stoke.
A lot has already been said about Duncan Watmore. His 15 minute man of the match performance for England Under 21’s and his various exciting substitute appearances for Sunderland so far this season have hit the headlines. After his exciting but brief appearance on Monday night, there were some comparing him to Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale; high praise indeed. His exciting direct attacking style of play can cause many problems for the opposition and if he gets on the field against Stoke, then their defenders will have to watch him very carefully. Teammate Jermain Defoe had this to say about the youngster;
“Dunc is brilliant and so athletic, quick, direct and confident. He’s a young lad and I’m delighted for him because I remember when I was in that situation – all he just wants to do is play football. He’s a bright lad, a nice boy and he’s going to do really well for this football club. He’s the future.” (via safc.com)
Summer signing Fabio Borini is expected to be available for selection again after injury. Fan-favourite Borini has not quite hit the heights he achieved during his previous loan spell at the Stadium of Light but its still early days and his ability and goal threat is well known. A reliable and hard working player with an eye for goal will always be an asset and his return from injury will be welcomed by both club and supporters alike.
Fellow summer signing Jeremain Lens is also at Sam Allardyce’s disposal. Lens has been hit and miss early on in his Sunderland career but he’s quick, skillful and can score excellent goals as his superb chip against West Ham showed. Whether he can fit into the current system at Sunderland remains to be seen but the ability of the Dutch international cannot be questioned.
Serial Wear-Tyne derby hero Adam Johnson, on his day can be a game changer. Skillful on the ball and capable of chipping in with a goal, he’s a player with the capabilities to be a star in the team. Since his move from Manchester City he certainly hasn’t been a star but has certainly shown at times what he is capable of.
Danny Graham is also pushing for a place in the side. Since his move from Swansea its safe to say that he hasn’t been a success, but his commitment can’t be faulted and recently he has been in form whilst playing for the U21 side. A capable scorer at previous clubs, it just hasn’t worked out for him so far in Sunderland’s first team. There is still time left though, how much depends on him and the club.
There is no way that Sunderland can get too carried away, yes they won their first away game of the season on Monday and its a step in the right direction but the positives from that game must be taken into the next because the Premier League can be very unforgiving and Sunderland do not want to leave the field with the taste of another defeat. Another positive result and performance could well be what gives the Black Cats the extra confidence to go on to escape another relegation battle and yet another attempt at the great escape.
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