Sunderland’s game against Brighton on Sunday signified the start of a large portion of the squad’s absence at the Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
Expectations and predictions have been loud this season. The media has been all too happy to tell us what they think our fortunes will look like. First, we were relegation fodder and wooden spoon candidates. Then we were still waiting for a robust challenger because our schedule was deemed weak. And then when the derby came around, Newcastle were going
to win and normal business would resume.
Yet the Black Cats have shrugged off all of these expectations and are thriving. We sit pretty in sixth having won seven and only lost four. Frustratingly, it feels like it is impossible that Sunderland fans can ever be allowed to simply enjoy the run, for, if the media is to be listened to, we are now entering our ‘make or break’ period with the start of AFCON.
Whilst it is undeniable that losing a number of our players to AFCON will be tricky, it shows a lack of understanding on the behalf of our detractors if they think our position and form will crumble. Saturday’s result against Brighton proves this.
The draw may have ultimately contained little to write home about, but it showed that Sunderland remain a solid unit.
It was good that Sunderland got the better of the exchanges early in the game and spent significant time in the first half on top. Whilst we didn’t convert, it showed that we aren’t quite the limp and battered outfit they seem to expect us to be in the upcoming month or two.
Sunderland still created chances on Saturday, actually having the better of the two xGs between the two sides. That also served as an improvement on the xG from our last game against the Mags where we also boasted a full-strength side. Whilst it is important to recognise that the derby match was always going to be a little cagier, it shows that the side without our AFCON players will still be competitive and that we will create chances too.
Furthermore, we were tough to break down. Being Christmas, we gifted Brighton a few too many chances that Ayari was often more than happy to send into row Z, but for the most part we looked solid again. Ballard and Alderete make a strong pairing, they understand each other’s space very well, defend stoutly and then provide an important attacking outlet – something shown by the fact that they produced two of the four shots on target.
Mukiele and Hume aren’t going anywhere either so there is potential to maintain a very strong backline should injuries stay away. It is important not to forget that the backline will be changed little save for Reinildo.
On the issue of Reinildo, he will undoubtedly be a big loss. The Mozambique left-back has been a fantastic addition since joining on a free transfer in the summer. However, whilst it is worrying that we will miss a key part of a powerful back line, it is important to remember that he is playing for Mozambique who are not expected to survive their group, let alone make it far in the tournament.
The Brighton game was a useful benchmark to see how we may fare without a number of our squad. Brighton are a well-developed side who are difficult to play. They are a well-established Premier League team and may have proved a stumbling block for teams weaker than us but in a similar situation.
It is also just as important to avoid getting ahead of ourselves. The biggest threat now will come from squad thinness. The club has done an outstanding job of building a quality rich side, but it will be difficult losing some of the players we have, even for a short amount of time. The tough part now will be managing minutes and making sure that the squad does not become fatigued but still playing the strongest side where possible.
Yet, this in itself brings silver linings as it means players previously on the fringe get chances to show us their worth. Rigg will get an opportunity, whilst Neil will undoubtedly get the nod at some point, and this may be the audition time they need to prove to Reggie that they deserve more minutes and more responsibility.
January will also be the ideal time to trim any fat. Players with unsuccessful cameos will be at risk of being moved on to bring revenue in for their replacements. Some players, like Neil, will be playing for new contracts too. Furthermore, we must expect KLD and Speakman to improve the squad even more this January window – potentially adding exciting new acquisitions if the rumours contain a speck of truth to them. We cannot fear being weak because if Sunderland have proved anything this season, it is that we are the opposite.
Ultimately, it is unfortunate that AFCON falls now in the calendar, but it feels likely that our opponents will be disappointed if they truly believe that this Sunderland team will implode without our African stars. We have built a great culture to support a great team, this is not a fleeting development, but a long-term plan enacted successfully by the club. December and January will prove a test, but I am sure most of us expect the lads to pass with flying colours. Good luck to our boys at AFCON and ha’way the lads!
