Sunderland travelled to Arsenal today in the FA Cup third round. A difficult game was expected, but at times Sunderland matched their hosts even in defeat and they even took the lead during the first half and had some other very good chances to score.
Sunderland made several changes as expected from the win over Aston Villa last weekend, and the final score of 3-1 did flatter Arsenal a little. Sunderland have now lost eight of the last nine away games and their fans will be desperately hoping that this stat improves on Wednesday night at Swansea City. Here are the things that was learned from todays game from a Sunderland point of view.
Things Learned From Sunderland’s FA Cup Game At Arsenal
Jordan Pickford impresses
Jordan Pickford made his debut for the Black Cats today and did not look out of place and deserves to start more games. He made several good saves to keep Sunderland in the game and deserves to keep his place in the side for the important midweek trip to Swansea City. With Sam Allardyce indicating that he hasn’t recalled Pickford sit in the stands, don’t be surprised if he starts against Swansea or is at least on the bench.
Jeremain Lens
Jeremain Lens can be a good player for the team if played in the right position with limited defensive duties. He played just off main striker Steven Fletcher today and looked more comfortable there than at anytime he has played on the wing. He was by no means the best player on the pitch or in a Sunderland shirt but he did ok and took his goal well too. It has been said many times that Lens is not good at tracking back and helping out on the defensive side so playing in a more central role maybe the way forward. If he stays at Sunderland of course.
Duncan Watmore continues to progress
Duncan Watmore once again showed that the potential is there for him to be a top player if he continues to learn and progress. Lots has been said about the potential of this player and plenty of praise has come his way, and rightly so. Sam Allardyce has been trying to protect him a little of late but when he has played, even if things haven’t worked out for him his head hasn’t dropped. Today the effort was there once more and he gave Arsenal plenty to think about at times with his direct style of play.
Toivonen and Graham not good enough
Ola Toivonen and Danny Graham should be taken out of the starting line up. Grahams future looks like it lies away from Sunderland after three disappointing years and Toivonen does not seem to have the stamina or the work rate for the Premier League, FA Cup or a indeed relegation fight.
Back five required for Patrick Van Aanholt
If van Aanholt is to keep his place then a back five needs to be playing whenever possible to allow him to play as a wing back. He was at fault for the goal today when he failed to pick up the player he was supposed to be marking allowing him to score. Van Aanholt has performed well at wing back and that must be seen as his position going forward as playing at left back in a back four causes problems for the Sunderland defence time and time again.
New striker required ASAP
A striker to provide back up for Jermain Defoe or even to play alongside him must be made a priority. Danny Graham and Steven Fletcher are simply not good enough on a regular basis for the Premier League. If Sunderland are to survive then goals are required and relying on just Jermain Defoe maybe a risk too far.
Its onwards and hopefully upwards now for Sunderland and their fans. This game must be forgotten quickly as more important games are just around the corner, starting at the Liberty Stadium on Wednesday. They then face a tough trip to Tottenham before playing Bournemouth at home before January is over.
