Sunderland have endured a torrid start to 2022. Just one win has been collected so far. Coupled with several poor performances and humiliating defeats, the Black Cats are struggling. However, during the January transfer window, Sunderland’s attacking threat was greatly improved with three key signings. Could they be the answer?
Wingers Jack Clarke and Patrick Roberts arrived from Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City respectively and fan favourite Jermain Defoe returned to the club. With the Black Cats on a poor run of form, now is the time for Sunderland’s attacking threat to be unleashed in an attempt to get their season back on track.
Sunderland’s Attacking Threat Could Get Season Back on Track
Alex Neil Has Decisions to Make
New Sunderland head coach Alex Neil has decisions to make ahead of yet another crucial home game on Tuesday against Burton Albion. Neil has admitted that many players are struggling either due to lack of match fitness or tiredness from playing too many games this season.
Speaking after the latest defeat Neil mentioned his current dilemma. He said: “There’s a group of younger players who are in the team who have been playing all season and they need taking out – 100 percent. The problem is, what do you choose?
“Play people who are under in terms of minutes and who are not quite ready, or those over their minutes and who has been flogged to death and needs taking out? What do you choose?”
The Black Cats fell out of the play-off positions following their defeat at home to MK Dons on Saturday. It was their fourth defeat in five games and automatic promotion, having looked a real possibility over the festive season, is now an unrealistic target unless results improve dramatically. Even then the play-offs may be the best-case scenario.
Defensively, Sunderland have struggled this calendar year. 20 goals have been conceded so far since the turn of the year, six of those in one game. Attack therefore may be the best form of defence, even if some are struggling to be fully match fit.
Something Has to Change and Bringing in Attackers May Be the Answer
With Sunderland’s defence struggling to keep the goals out, the Black Cats’ best chance could be to attack. With defensive options limited due to injuries and departures, Sunderland, however, can make changes in attacking areas.
Wingers Patrick Roberts and Jack Clarke arrived in January and the limited time they’ve had on the pitch so far has shown that they are capable of causing defences problems. Creativity has been an issue of late and bringing in two direct wingers who can create and score could give the team and the fans a much-needed lift. These players plus the impressive Alex Pritchard and top goalscorer Ross Stewart, Alex Neil has players who can make the difference in the final third.
Fan favourite Jermain Defoe also returned in January to the delight of fans. The prolific marksman has played little first-team football so far this season but with the former England international being naturally fit despite now being 39, he is a player that can score against anyone given the opportunities. Defoe is a player of quality and it would be a waste to have him sat on the bench for the vast majority of games as he has done so far.
Sunderland have attacking options that if unleashed could get their season back on track and at present, and with relations strained between the club and their fans, hope is desperately needed.
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