Sunderland’s Phil Parkinson has been in charge for eight games, watching his new side win just twice. His remit when he took over from Jack Ross was simple: get promotion. On the evidence of his eight games in charge, promotion could prove difficult, especially if the last three games are anything to go by. Parkinson has much to do to get, what is on paper, an excellent League One squad back to the Championship. The winter transfer window could not come soon enough for the former Bolton Wanderers boss.
Sunderland’s Phil Parkinson Has Lots to Do
Three Games, Three Unacceptable Performances
Sunderland’s last three games have been anything but acceptable. It was not so much the results, rather the performances, that have worried and frustrated fans. Two of the three games were in the Leasing.com trophy. This is not a competition that ranks high in anyone’s priority; however, winning games brings a winning mentality.
The showings against Leicester City‘s U21 and League Two strugglers Scunthorpe United were not those of a team heading in the right direction. Phil Parkinson selected strong teams for these games; teams that were close to what would be expected for a league fixture. However, players who are expected to play a big part in the league this season produced worrying performances. In both games, the Black Cats were defeated – 2-1 at home to Leicester and 3-0 away at Scunthorpe.
Sandwiched in-between these games was an FA Cup tie at home to Gillingham. Sunderland took the lead but once Gillingham equalised, the home side hardly looked likely to win the game.
Misfiring Forwards
Since the departure of Josh Maja last January, Sunderland have failed to replace his goals. The signing of Will Grigg, a prolific League One goalscorer, has so far not worked. The Northern Ireland international has struggled for much of his time on Wearside. Three goals, one in the league this season, has seen his confidence drop. At present, he looks anything but the prolific goalscorer seen at his previous clubs.
Charlie Wyke and Marc McNulty are unfortunately fairing little better. McNulty has scored the more of the three; however, he has had injuries this season. Wyke currently has two goals this season with one being in the league. McNulty has four goals to his name, two in the league.
Something has to change if Sunderland are to achieve their aim of promotion. Although goals are coming from other areas, this is not something that should be relied upon. Working on each individual’s strengths and creating chances best suited to them must be something Parkinson will be looking to do.
Not Creating Enough Chances
A question mark over Sunderland’s misfiring strikers is whether they are being given enough chances by their teammates. The Black Cats are struggling to create enough clear cut chances in games to win on a regular basis. Barring the 5-0 victory over Tranmere Rovers, Sunderland have struggled to break down some stubborn League One defences.
Sunderland’s main source of creativity last season, Aiden McGeady, has struggled this season. A loss of form could be the reason; however, it appears defences now know how to nullify his effect on the game. Defenders are increasingly doubling up on him, giving him less space. This, in turn, has made McGeady slow the pace of the game down when attacking, allowing the opposition to organise themselves.
Pace has been an issue too. With little pace in the side, it has proved difficult for the Black Cats to get behind defences. With Duncan Watmore not quite fully fit after two serious injuries and Lynden Gooch on the sidelines, Sunderland have had to find different ways of breaking down the opposition. Something which has proved to be difficult.
Clean Sheets Still an Issue
One area where Phil Parkinson has been unable to get right as yet is the lack of clean sheets. Under Jack Ross, it was almost inevitable that Sunderland would concede. However, defeats were few and far between. Draws, on the other hand, were a different story. Two clean sheets have come Parkinson’s way since taking over. Nine goals have been conceded. Whether it be individual errors or not, Parkinson must find a way to make his team tougher to score against.
Parkinson believes that his team must be mentally stronger in the future. Speaking after the recent FA Cup game against Gillingham, he said:
“You have to respond better than we did today when we concede. They made it more of a scrappy game, more physical and we didn’t respond to that. I think it’s being stronger as a group and you don’t get it all your own way.” You’re not 3-0 up against Tranmere all the time, with everyone enjoying themselves and letting you play. Sometimes you’ve got to roll your sleeves up and get through a period in the game and I don’t think we did that.”
January Can’t Come Soon Enough for Sunderland’s Phil Parkinson
Sunderland must attempt to keep pace with those near the top of the table in the lead up to January; however, it is likely that the winter transfer window can’t come soon enough. Owner Stuart Donald has promised to back Parkinson in the transfer market should he wish to sign anyone. With the team struggling in several areas, one or two new faces could give the Black Cats that confidence and extra confidence to produce a promotion push.
Speaking recently, Donald said:
“The biggest single priority is getting out of this league and so if we need to spend then we will spend,” Donald said. “Having spoken to the manager and got his initial assessments of the squad I think there’s no doubt he is going to want to strengthen.”
Is it as Bad as it Appears?
Sunderland are still in a position to do well this season. Although Parkinson has much work to do, the Black Cats can achieve their aim of promotion this season. Parkinson’s team currently sit ninth in the table. They are just two points off the play-off places and have a game in hand on the team lying in sixth place. Wycombe Wanderers who currently top the table are 11 points ahead but have played two games more.
In a league where every game is competitive, it is likely that the teams above Sunderland will have a difficult time at some point in the season. Sunderland must be in a position to take advantage when the inevitable happens. This is down to the players and staff.
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