Sunderland joint-worst with Burnley for Premier League metric that needs to be addressed
For all of the good that Sunderland have shown this season, there are still some concerns.
Sunderland’s 0-0 draw away to Crystal Palace was yet another good result for the Black Cats, who have accumulated seven points from their first four games of the season.
However, it exposed the creativity concerns at Sunderland, with the Black Cats the lowest in the Premier League when it comes to xG from open play.
It isn’t their only concern that will need addressing, with the Wearsiders also underperforming in another metric of the game, with Burnley the only side in the division who are level with it.
Sunderland struggle to win possession in final third
Just like Burnley and Leeds, Sunderland’s main priority in most games is to defend.
If you can keep a clean sheet, it gives you a much better chance at taking all three points, so long as you take the chances in front of goal when they arrive, which Sunderland didn’t do against Crystal Palace.
However, defending starts from the front, and it is something that the Black Cats have severely struggled with after the first four games of the season.
- Five goals for
- Three goals against
- Seven points
- 7th in Premier League table
Via FotMob, Sunderland average just 1.5 ball recoveries per game in the final third, which means a lot of the turnover of possession happens in their own half, which can bring risks.
Burnley also hold an average of 1.5 per game, which is perhaps less of a surprise given their added focus on defensive solidity.
By no means is it the be-all and end-all, but it is certainly an area that Sunderland could look to improve in and force opposition into mistakes around their own penalty area.
- Read more: Sunderland relegation chances shift in supercomputer prediction after Crystal Palace draw
Regis Le Bris has the players to make it work
If you’re going to win the ball back high up the pitch, it requires a lot of legs and a lot of energy, of which Sunderland have in abundance.
Noah Sadiki and Habib Diarra have both shown their willingness to work hard on and off the ball, with Simon Adingra and Chemsdine Tabi following suit.
It gives you that extra edge going forward, and could be utilised well in games where the opposition back line sees plenty of the ball.
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