Promotion hopefuls Sunderland drew 1-1 with Burton Albion. The draw puts the Black Cats second in the table, a point above third-placed Barnsley, and with a game in hand on both the Tykes and Luton in top spot.
Sunderland, even though they failed to win, are well placed with just several games remaining. Seven points have now been gained in their three games since their Wembley disappointment just over a week ago. They have two home games back to back to further improve their chances of automatic promotion. However, the Burton game highlighted the quality Aiden McGeady possesses and how much he was missed.
Aiden McGeady’s Creativity Missed
So Close but Missing the Magic
Sunderland came close to gaining three points; however, it was obvious something was missing. George Honeyman was brought back into the team and was played on the left of midfield. This is not his natural position, and it showed. With McGeady, Chris Maguire and Lynden Gooch all out, the Black Cats missed that extra creativity needed at times.
Goals and Assists
Aiden McGeady’s contribution to Sunderland’s promotion charge this season cannot be underestimated. He is almost a certainty to be awarded the player of the season award. He has had the most consistent season of his career to date. His 14 goals so far have been a major contribution to the team as they battle for promotion. McGeady is also a creator, providing assists and chances for teammates.
The Key to Unlocking Defences
Aiden McGeady, for much of this season, has been the main man in unlocking stubborn League One defences. His skill, work rate and often mesmerising footwork has defenders backing off with little hope of getting close to the ball. The Republic of Ireland international may now be 33-years-old, but there appear to be no signs of him being any less of a menace to the opposition.
A Doubt for Saturday
Having missed the last two matches, McGeady is a doubt for Saturday’s home match against Coventry City. There was a slim chance of the winger playing against Burton; however, it was a risk that manager Jack Ross believed was not worth taking. Depending on how the player reacts to training this week, Ross could be without one of his main men once again.
Delighted With Points Return After Wembley Defeat
After the disappointment of a Wembley defeat to Portsmouth, many thought that the Black Cats could have suffered from a Wembley hangover.
“Nine days ago we came out of Wembley, gutted at losing a final, fourth in the table
Nine days later we’re second with a game-in-hand on some of the teams around that top part of the table.” – Jack Ross
The Wednesday after Wembley, Sunderland travelled to Accrington and won 3-0 with relative ease. They then won away at Rochdale. Seven points from a painful penalty shootout defeat in the EFL Trophy Final has proved that Sunderland are in no mood to let their promotion dreams fade due to one defeat.
Maguire Close to a Return
While Sunderland fans will be hoping Aiden McGeady will be back for Saturday, another star player could return soon. Chris Maguire, affectionally known as “The King” is on his way back. The fan favourite has been out with a fractured leg which he suffered in February. Maguire is expected to begin training this week with a view of being involved in Good Friday’s game. The return of these players will give everyone a huge boost heading into the final games of this season.
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