Sunderland look as if they’ve turned a corner. The new year appears to have brought Black Cats fans a new Sunderland. Saturday’s four-nil victory over the then League One leaders Wycombe Wanderers was undoubtedly their best performance of the season.
Sunderland have turned their season around after dropping to the lowest league position in their history. A six-game unbeaten run sees the Wearsiders back in the promotion fight. This new Sunderland fans are seeing, could yet get themselves back into the Championship.
New Year New Sunderland
Two Games, Two Wins, Two Excellent Performances
Since the beginning of the 2020s, Sunderland have drawn one and won two. The draw away at Fleetwood Town was a good result but due to the performance, they should have won. However, it has been the last two games where fans have begun to believe.
Against Lincoln City on the first Saturday of the New Year, Sunderland produced a superb first-half performance to lead three-nil at halftime. With the game won, the Black Cats eased off in the second half. Against Wycombe, Sunderland produced an even better overall performance, especially in the first half where they dominated the then League One leaders to lead three-nil at half time. In truth, the score at halftime flattered Wycombe who could have trailed by more. Sunderland’s dominance continued and even though only one more goal was scored, Sunderland were well worth their four nil victory.
Unbeaten Run Extended
The Black Cats have certainly given their fans some Christmas and New Year cheer in recent weeks. Since the defeat at Gillingham, Sunderland have won three and drawn three of their last six games. This run has seen the club rise from their lowest ever league position to sixth in League One. With just six points separating themselves and first place, Sunderland are back in the promotion race and have a game in hand.
Phil Parkinson Getting It Right
Sunderland’s improved performances and results of late, suggest that manager Phil Parkinson is finally getting things right. During his first two months in charge, the Black Cats fell down the league table at an alarming rate. They found themselves in the lowest league position in their long history. Not only were results poor but so were the performances. Many wondered whether it had been a mistake to have appointed Parkinson and if it was worth admitting a mistake and replacing him.
However, it appears that Parkinson has steadied the ship and both results and performances have improved. His wingback formation is paying off with both Denver Hume and Luke O’Nien performing admirably. In midfield, captain Max Power and George Dobson are beginning to show signs of good partnership. With Chris Maguire looking back to his best and Lynden Gooch and Charlie Wyke performing with consistency, there is cause for optimism on Wearside.
Chris Maguire Back to His Best
With three goals in three games, Chris Maguire, after a poor run of form appears to be getting back to his best. Not only have the goals began flowing again but the Scot’s performances and passion have shown why fans call him ‘the king’.
His two goals against the then table-toppers Wycombe capped off an excellent display from the forward. He sent the keeper the wrong way with his penalty before showing the type of passion fans love. His second was an expertly taken free-kick giving the goalkeeper no chance. A fit and in form Chris Maguire could have a huge say in this seasons promotion race.
Charlie Wyke Showing His Effectiveness
Striker Charlie Wyke has had a difficult 18 months since arriving on Wearside. Injuries and a lack of form and goals led to a frustrating time for the player, club and fans. When Wyke signed from Bradford City in 2018, fans believed they were getting an effective target man who could score goals. It has taken time, but they appear to be finally getting the player they signed.
Under Phil Parkinson, Wyke appears to have found his feet at Sunderland. The big forward has started the last six games, all of which have been undefeated. His presence up front, willingness to chase and close defenders down has caused problems for the opposition. Although he has scored just one goal in six games, his effectiveness has been crucial to the Black Cats recent upturn in form.
Lynden Gooch and Denver Hume in Great Form
Gooch and Hume are currently enjoying their best spells in the red and white. Gooch has been a member of the first-team squad for several season’s; however, after some inconsistent spells in the starting eleven, the American appears to be in the best form of his career. The versatile midfielder has scored seven goals so far which has more than doubled his career goal tally. Consistent performances have also shown that Gooch is becoming one of the first names on the team sheet.
Denver Hume is currently living his boyhood dream. Against Wycombe, the 21-year-old scored his first Sunderland goal. Born in the North East of England, Hume joined Sunderland aged 10. After a difficult time at left-back, the youngster has shone in the left wing-back role of late. His attacking ability has given Sunderland an extra dimension going forward.
Speaking after Saturday’s game, Hume said:
“I’ve improved since the start of the season and I think that comes through a run of games. Your confidence gets high and the gaffer has been great with me.
The formation and style really suits me, I like to get forward and join in with the attacks.”
Promotion Race Back On
The race for promotion is definitely back on as far as Sunderland are concerned. Their run of poor form did not do as much damage as it could have done. Teams above them have had inconsistent runs of form enabling the Black Cats to stay in touch with the top half of the table. Their six-game unbeaten run sees them just six points off top spot with a game in hand. The club and their fans are desperate to gain promotion. Should the current form continue, then what seemed highly unlikely in early December, could happen.
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