Sunderland have settled into League One relatively well during August. However, this is no easy league and the Black Cats endured a difficult September on, and in some cases, off the field. One win in five league games have seen the team slip out of the automatic promotion places. However, the lessons learned in these matches should hold them in good stead going forward. Here is a look back at life at Sunderland during September.
Black Cats September Review
Ndong and Djilobodji Served Notice
Sunderland served notice on the contracts of both Didier Ndong and Papy Djilobodji. Both wanted to move after relegation and insisted they did not want to play for the club or indeed return in any way. However, both were under contract and after both failed to finalise moves away in the summer, so were expected to report back for pre-season. Both failed to do so.
Ndong failed to return to the club until recently with no explanation given. He was immediately given his notice. Djilobodji did eventually return more than a month late. He came back out of shape and in no condition to play football. Reports suggest it would take months before he was match fit. He was quickly given his notice too.
Josh Maja Wants to Stay
Striker Josh Maja has indicated that he wants to stay at the club and fire them back into the Premier League. The youngster has been in excellent form this season, scoring seven goals by the end of September. The 19-year-old had been linked with a move away in the summer but stayed. Fans and manager Jack Ross are delighted he did. He is currently in the last year of his contract but reports suggest talks are imminent and it appears Maja is more than happy on Wearside.
Match Reviews
It took the Black Cats some time to get going in August. Opponents were determined to make things difficult and in several games, they treated the game as their cup final. August proved to be a learning curve for Jack Ross and his side. They suffered their first defeat; however, in the long run, the lessons learned could be beneficial going forward. Here is a look back at August’s matches.
Oxford (H) D 1-1
Director Charlie Methvan said he would like 32,000 to be attendance for this game. He got his wish. 32,193 turned up to cheer on their team, a remarkable attendance for League One. If Sunderland continue to push for promotion, attendances could rise further. Oxford were the better side early on a deservedly took the lead. Max Power was then given a straight red card for a late tackle. The debate as to whether it was a red card could continue for some time.
Ten-man Sunderland, backed by their noisy fans equalised through Charlie Wyke’s debut goal. Both teams had chances in a bad-tempered game with Oxford coming the closest. The point kept Sunderland’s unbeaten start to the season intact.
Stoke City (H ) – Checkatrade Trophy D 0-0 – Sunderland Won 4-2 on Penalties
After an uneventful game which ended 0-0, the Black Cats won the shootout 4-2. A good run in this competition is certainly doable but with the league being the main priority, it was no surprise that changes were made. Several fringe players and those returning from injury featured. Positives, therefore, were had plus a win in their first game of the competition.
Fleetwood Town (H) D 1-1
Fleetwood boss Joey Barton almost gave Sunderland manager Jack Ross his team talk before the game. He suggested that his team were man for man better than their opponents. The home side suffered a frustrating afternoon as Fleetwood took the lead early on. However, Josh Maja equalised before the break.
Fleetwood had an excellent chance to regain the lead after being given a penalty. Jon McLaughlin in the Sunderland goal was equal to the spot kick, diving to his left to save. Sunderland pushed for the winner themselves and came close several times but could not find the breakthrough.
Burton Albion (A ) L 2-1
The Black Cats suffered their first league defeat of the season at Burton. The home side were the better side in the first-half and deservedly went in at half-time two goals up. Just before the break, Sunderland were dealt a further blow as new striker Charlie Wyke was carried off injured.
The second half saw a better display and substitute Chris Maguire reduced the deficit with an unstoppable shot. Sunderland pushed for an equaliser but in the end, it was a day to forget.
Rochdale (H) W 4-1
A stunning first-half display put Sunderland 3-0 up at half-time. Two goals from Josh Maja and a Lynden Gooch penalty put the game almost out of Rochdale’s reach. An excellent goal by Gooch for his second came after halftime as Sunderland cruised to victory. A consolation goal by the away team was not enough to distract from a convincing performance by the home side.
Coventry (A ) D 1-1
Sunderland were back by a massive 5000 strong red and white army at the Ricoh Arena. After a less than entertaining first-half, Lee Cattermole put the visitors in front with his third goal of the season. However, the Sky Blues equalised mid-way through the second half to earn a point. The Black Cats also suffered injuries to three key players. Denver Hume and Glenn Loovens went off in the first half.
In the second half, Lynden Gooch played the last 15 minutes while injured due to all substitutes being used. All three will receive scans but all are expected to miss at least one or two games, if not more. Lee Cattermole also picked up a suspension after receiving another yellow card.
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