We’ve come a long way — let’s not forget that!
There were times in the past when losing 2-0 at Manchester United would be seen as a “let off”, but the fact Sunderland left Old Trafford feeling disappointed says as much about us and where we are as a club as it does the relative struggles of the Red Devils over recent years.
Whilst as an institution United still has an aura around it, the team on the pitch prompts very little fear factor these days and the Lads went into the game looking well capable of picking up a result. That they didn’t — and mainly
because they were off colour as opposed to being out of their depth — seems like a wasted opportunity, but also points to the steps that’ve been made in recent years.
There was no outclassing going on; it was an off-day with important lessons to be learned, and that in itself is encouraging.
A slow start scuppers Sunderland
Up until now, Premier League teams had been unable to get past the Lads in the first half and had that been the case for Manchester United, the game could’ve gone in a very different direction.
The mood around the club is such that had the hosts been frustrated for a period, the atmosphere could’ve easily turned, but they got an early boost and suddenly had their tails up — which is the last things Régis Le Bris will have wanted.
When you paired this surge in confidence with Sunderland’s poorest showing of the campaign so far, it gave Ruben Amorim’s side momentum to play with and it needed Robin Roefs to be at his best when the defence came under a barrage.
Lammens not to the slaughter
At 2-0, Sunderland made a few much-needed tactical tweaks and started getting back into things.
However, questionable decision-making and poor final touches ruled out any real fightback, and with a new goalkeeper in between the sticks for United, that was costly.
Even though more bodies were getting in advanced situations, Senne Lammens couldn’t have asked for an easier debut in all honesty, whereas a few more pot shots from range or sharper finishing when in on goal could’ve exposed some nerves.
Time to refresh and reset ahead of Wolves
Losing before an international break is always a pain but what matters most now is how the squad reacts.
A lot of the issues in the game were avoidable, yet the players stopping back at the Academy of Light between now and the Wolverhampton Wanderers game have plenty of opportunity to iron things out and get themselves back on track.
Everybody responded well to the loss at Burnley, and there’s no reason that it shouldn’t be the case this time round.
Backing the boys ‘til the end
Whilst the application wasn’t there, the effort shown once again couldn’t be faulted.
The travelling fans recognised this and responded with non-stop noise and encouragement. Defeat isn’t the end of the world given the start to the season, but that backing was magnificent and will be a huge benefit if things do get a bit trickier.
Haway the Lasses!
I don’t think many of us saw that coming against Manchester United, but rather than dwell on defeat, fans can be confident that the group will be trying to move on from it as soon as possible. As for the fans, Sunday afternoon offers the perfect opportunity to lift the mood when the Lasses host Charlton Athletic at the Stadium of Light.
Despite missing two spot kicks, Sunderland U21s came from behind to draw 3-3 at Aston Villa on Saturday and the U18s impressed in a 5-1 win at Ipswich Town. As for the women, they’ve started the season extremely well and will hope to continue their form against the Addicks when they round off the weekend’s programme of fixtures.
For those that want to take in some more action, the match kicks off at 14:00.
