Sunderland’s performances of late have not been of the highest quality; however, new head coach Alex Neil has managed to turn these poor performances into points. At the stage of the season where every point is vital in the race for promotion, all that matters is that the team leaves the field with maximum points.
Sunderland Performances Poor but Team Are Winning
Two Home Games – Two Poor Performances but Two Wins
Sunderland’s two recent home games against Fleetwood Town and Crewe Alexandra gave the Black Cats the perfect chance to build on their recent away form where they won at Wigan Athletic and drew at Charlton Athletic. However, for long periods of each game, Sunderland failed to perform and struggled against teams at the wrong end of the league.
It may not be pretty on the eye for supporters but it’s the points that matter now and if winning ugly is what it takes for Sunderland to finally get promoted, then many fans would surely take that.
Three Clean Sheets in Last Four Games
It was no secret that Sunderland were conceding goals at an alarming rate. Following the 5-0 demolition of Sheffield Wednesday over the festive period, the Black Cats’ form and results went from bad to worse. 17 goals were shipped between the turn of the year and Alex Neil’s appointment in mid-February, including a humiliating 6-0 defeat at Bolton Wanderers which saw previous head coach Lee Johnson sacked.
Despite conceding four in his first three games in charge, Neil has worked on keeping clean sheets with three coming in the last four games. These clean sheets have also helped turn their form around with three wins and a draw. This in turn has put the Black Cats back in contention to secure a playoff position come the end of the season.
Alex Neil’s Timing Near Perfect With Substitutions
Much is made by fans and pundits alike about the timing of substitutions during a game. More often than not a manager will not get these right in the eyes of many. This has not been the case so far during Alex Neil’s tenure at Sunderland. The former Preston North End boss has not been afraid to make substitutions when players have not performed or formations have not worked.
Against Fleetwood, Neil substituted captain Corry Evans at halftime after a poor display. In the same game, a visibly tired Patrick Roberts was replaced by the returning Luke O’Nien. The versatile midfielder made an impressive cameo following more than three months out injured, scoring and helping his team come from a goal behind to win 3-1.
Against Crewe, a club battling at the wrong end of the table, Sunderland struggled to break down their stubborn defence. Within 18 minutes of the second half, all three substitutes were made along with a change in formation. These decisions by Neil changed the game with his side finally winning 2-0. Two of his three substitutes scoring the goals.
Sunderland Performances Moving in the Right Direction but Points Matter Most
Following the recent home victory over Crewe, head coach Alex Neil spoke about, performances, substitutions and what matters most. Speaking to the Sunderland Echo, Neil said: “The game really altered when we brought the subs on, to be honest. That’s why we’ve got a squad. Whether we win in the 89th minute, the 93rd minute, or the first, our job is to win.
“I’ve been here in a limited time, and I didn’t really know these players. I’m learning more and more every day, and that naturally starts to then alter my decision-making in terms of how we play.
“I’ve got to keep a really clear mind and I thought for the second game, substitutes have come on and had a big impact on games. It’s also our third clean sheet in four games. We’re moving in the right direction, and the results suggest that.
