Sunderland’s fortunes on the pitch didn’t get any better at the weekend and that is unlikely to change until Phil Parkinson drops Max Power from the team.
The Black Cats’ midfield has been a problem for them all season long. A lack of creativity is a big reason why they have scored more than one goal in just one out of Parkinson’s 13 games in charge, while there is also little protection for the back four because of the current midfield.
In a bid to reduce that concern the Sunderland boss has moved to a back five, playing a formation where there is less importance on the midfield two to dominate play.
That has helped a little and earned them a point at the weekend, but the midfield pairing of George Dobson and Max Power still performed below par for a team supposedly challenging for promotion.
Power, in particular, was a disappointment. He failed to get a foothold in the game and as Roker Report put it, he misplaced far too many passes, which earned him a rating of 3/10 from them.
The 26-year-old wasn’t much better from a defensive perspective either, and therefore his role in the team is questionable – he doesn’t act as a creator or as a midfield enforcer.
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His one tackle and one interception, as per WhoScored, while not terrible, is not exactly the showing of a midfielder who wins back possession for his side, and that has been an issue for Sunderland all season.
Too often it is easy for the opposition to play through them and get into dangerous positions. That is why clean sheets have been too infrequent under Parkinson, though it is at least clear what he must change – or add in January.
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Power’s two key passes on this occasion is a surprising return from him given he has averaged just 0.5 key passes per game this term, which underlines the usual lack of creativity in the team.
That’s why the likes of Will Grigg and Marc McNulty have struggled with three league goals between them, and why Parkinson has to drop Power if the team is to improve and progress.
The Black Cats’ boss is in a difficult situation due to Grant Leadbitter and George Dobson also performing poorly this campaign, with the latter also getting sent off against Blackpool, but if he has the chance to sign a midfielder in January he must take it.
In other Sunderland news, Phil Parkinson has been on the receiving end of fan criticism once again, this time for his actions after the Blackpool draw.
