Team SUNDERLAND A.F.C.

8th
Opposition Plymouth Argyle 15th
date 1/19/2021
venue Stadium of Light
time 7:00 PM
Match Sky Bet League One
Starting formation 4-4-2
Weather Wet
Pitch conditions Heavy
Referee R Lewis
Manager Lee Johnson
Red card None

home form WWDWD

away from DLWDD

Line up

Mentality Attacking
Tempo Slow
Passing Long
Focus Look to get the ball to McGeady or O’Brien to start the
Other Comments: Wide men are not the best defensively and can get ca
subs made 39 mins Power on for Willis due to injury (Sanderson m
subs made 71 mins Embleton & Maguire came on for McFadzean
subs made 79 mins Leadbitter came on for Winchester which allo

GOALKEEPER
LEE BURGE
GOALKEEPER DISTRIBUTION Looked to play out short from the back as the first option w
Kicked long under pressure on several occasions using both
Long goal kicks/clearances aimed towards Wyke.
STRENGTHS:
STRENGTHS Comfortable using both feet.
WEAKNESSES:
WEAKNESSES Small in height and did not make himself big for second go

DEFENSIVE UNIT - RB/CB/CB/LB

SANDERSON - WILLIS (POWER) - WRIGHT - MCFAZDEAN ( DEFENSIVE UNIT COMMENTS (tactical)
DEFENSIVE UNIT (TACTICAL) Looked to hold a high defensive line that was mainly due to
Full backs did not overlap especially Sanderson. Power did
Willis & Sanderson (when he moved position) used their pa
Wright like to engage the forward using his strength in the
Centre backs split from goal kicks to receive the ball with f
Both Centre backs played longer passes in the first half this
STRENGTHS:
STRENGTHS Strong in the air
Good shape as full backs do not attack.
Centre backs compliment each other with different attribute
WEAKNESSES:
WEAKNESSES Fullbacks are regularly left 2v1 and can be attacked.
Left side of defence (Wright & McFadzean) lacks pace whic
MIDFIELD - RM/CM/CM/LM MIDFIELD UNIT COMMENTS (tactical)
DIAMOND - SCOWEN - WINCHESTER - MCGEADY
MIDFIELD UNIT (TACTICAL) Scowen & Winchester sat deep in the 1st half acting as the
Both Scowen & Winchester dropped to receive the ball from
Second half Scowen operated further forward and offered m
No central midfield playmaker to create chances and break
McGeady & Diamond offered creativity out wide.
McGeady is the biggest attacking threat as he will drift insi
Diamond stayed out wide using his pace & direct running t
STRENGTHS:
STRENGTHS Both wide men are quick and skillful with the ability to bea
McGeady is the main attacking threat.
Direct running of the wide men.
Scowen showed in the 2nd half that he can cause problems
WEAKNESSES:
WEAKNESSES One paced central midfield pairing.
Creativity only comes from wide men.
Passing can be slow and often sideways.
The two wide men (especially McGeady) do not track back

FORWARDS - CFWD/CFWD FORWARDS UNIT COMMENTS: (tactical)

WYKE - O'BRIEN
FORWARDS UNIT (TACTICAL) Wyke was used as the target man.
O’Brien & Wyke were not close enough on most occasions
They did try to press high, but the intensity was not the bes
O’Brien willing to drop in between the lines to receive the
Wyke is not a genuine target man and loses a lot in the air f
Both players are better when the ball is played to feet or pla
STRENGTHS:
STRENGTHS Wyke & O’Brien have good movement in the box to get fre
Good movement and good tight control.
O’Brien has good ability on the ball to pick a pass.
Wyke has good strength when the ball is played into him to
WEAKNESSES:
WEAKNESSES Can be left isolated when the midfield is too deep.
Do not have genuine pace to threaten in behind.
Will compete for long balls but do not win enough.

TEAM UNIT COLLECTIVE TEAM STRENGTHS:

TEAM STRENGTHS Physically strong defence that is good in the air.
Defensively good at dealing with set pieces.
Technically good wide players who can beat a man 1 v 1 in
 Can turn defence into attack quickly with 4 players high up
Good movement in the box to create chances.
Midfield keep possession with simple passing but not alwa
COLLECTIVE TEAM WEAKNESSES:
TEAM WEAKNESSES Central midfield lacing creativity.
Wide men do not perform their defensive duties leaving ful
Left hand side of the defence is slow which can be exploite
Passing can be slow and laboured allowing the opponents g
No creative spark to beat a deep lying defensive line.

PLAYER POSITION(S) PLAYED

AGE HEIGHT

Lee Burge (1) GK 28 5ft11

Dion Sanderson (16) RB & RCB 21 6ft 2

Callum McFadzean (25) LB 27 5ft 11

(Sub 71mins)

Jordan Willis (4) RCB 26 5ft11

(Sub 36mins)

Bailey Wright (5) LCB 28 6ft

Jack Diamond (21) RM 21 5ft 8

Carl Winchester (26) CM 27 5ft 10

(Sub 78mins)
Full debut for the club.

Josh Scowen (14) CM 27 5ft 10

Aiden McGeady (28) LM 34 5ft 11

(Sub 71mins)

Aiden O’Brien (10) ST 27 6ft

Charlie Wyke (9) ST 28 6ft 2

SUBS USED
Max Power (6) RB 27 5ft 11
(On 36mins)

Elliot Embleton (17) LB 21 5ft 11

(On 71mins)
Chris Maguire (7) LM 32 5ft 10
(On 71mins)

Grant Leadbitter (23) CM 35 5ft 9

(On 78mins)

SET PIECES: ATTACKING CORNERS LEFT

1st on 17:35 McGeady (28) right footed inswinging delivery towards the front post with Wyke (9) the target, however the c
2nd on 19:45 McGeady (28) right footed inswinging delivery towards the front post with Willis (4) the target, with the sam
3rd on 42:32 McGeady (28) right footed high inswinging delivery towards the centre of the goal on the 6-yard line with Wr

SET PIECES: ATTACKING CORNERS RIGHT

1st on 20:50 McGeady (28) right footed raised his right hand and played it short to Diamond (21). Cross by Diamond was ev
2nd on 21:25 McGeady (28) right footed with a high floated outswinging delivery deep towards the far post area about 10 y
3rd on 23:25 McGeady (28) right footed driven towards the centre about 10 yards out with Willis (4) the target. He missed
4th on 38:35 McGeady (28) right footed high outswinging delivery towards the centre about 8 yards out with Sanderson (16
5th on 39:06 McGeady (28) right footed high outswinging delivery towards the far post area about 10 yards out with Sanders
6th on 59:08 McGeady (28) raised his left hand and played a right footed outswinging delivery towards the front post area ab
7th on 74:14 Embleton (17) raised his left hand and played a left footed inswinging delivery towards the centre of the goal o
SET PIECES: DEFENSIVE CORNERS RIGHT:

None taken.
SET PIECES: DEFENSIVE CORNERS LEFT:

1ST corner came in 2nd half injury time which was taken short by Plymouth who were looking to protect the lead and waste

SET PIECES: ATTACKING FREE KICK LEFT:

1st on 05:00, McGeady (28) takes with his right foot, inswinging aimed to back post. Targets were Willis (4), Wright (5) &
2nd on 73:18, Maguire (7) raises his left hand takes 40 yards out, on the touchline with his right foot, inswinging aimed Wrig

SET PIECES: ATTACKING FREE KICK RIGHT:

1st on 46:09, McGeady (28) takes with his right foot, floated over the wall aimed towards Wyke (9) 8 yards out in the centre

SET PIECES: DEFENSIVE CORNERS RIGHT:

None taken.
SET PIECES: DEFENSIVE FREE KICK LEFT:
1st on 28:06, about 40 yards out Sunderland held a very high line with zonal marking, about 6 yards outside the penalty area
2nd on 55:06, about 35 yards out on the touchline. Sunderland held a line on the 18-yard box with zonal marking. Outswing
SET PIECE SUMMARY
THROW INS: Mainly down the line to Wyke (9) or inside to the Centre B
PENALTIES: None
TEAMS BEST AERIAL PLAYERS: Willis, Wyke, Sanderson & Wright.
TEAMS QUICKEST PLAYERS: Diamond, McGeady, Willis & Sanderson.
STRONGEST PLAYERS: Willis, Wright & Sanderson.
MOST TECHNICAL/CREATIVE: McGeady & O’Brien
BEST CROSSERS OF THE BALL: McGeady.
WHO IS A THREAT FROM RANGE: McGeady & O’Brien.
WHO SHOULD BE CLOSED DOWN: McGeady, Diamond & O’Brien.
MAIN GOAL THREAT(S): Wyke, O’Brien, McGeady & Diamond.
REGULAR PLAYER MISSING? : Lyndon Gooch missing due to COVID 19

WAYS TO BEAT THEM / STOP THEM THREATENING

Defend deep with men behind the ball to limit the space in behind and to stop the threat of wide men.
Double up on McGeady & Diamond to limit their 1 v 1 threat.
Let the defence have the ball and close options into the midfield too make them play long balls forward which are easier t
Be aware of balls played into O’Brien when he drops off to attempt to link play.
Wyke will be looking for balls down the sides of the centre backs.
When crosses are delivered into the box Wyke & O’Brien are a danger especially attacking the front post area.
There is a lot of space to attack down the left side of the defence. McGeady does not track back leaving 2v1’s and McFadz
Through balls or balls over the top to a quick forward need to be played to the left as both Wright and McFadzean are not
If they play two midfielders they will be of a similar style. Neither will have any pace and are not dynamic so if you play a t

GAME SUMMARY:
The pitch had standing water on initially from the start which may have changed the game plan of both teams.
Plymouth adapted quickly and better to the conditions and dominated possession early in the half.
Sunderland seemed happy to play long balls forward in behind the wing backs mainly down their right-hand side for Wyke
Plymouth scored after 11 minutes with a good move down their right using the space left my McGeady who does not defen
Throughout the rest of the half Plymouth were happy to sit on the lead. Sunderland did get more of the ball, but Scowen &
Second half started with Sunderland more attacking due to both Scowen & Winchester playing 10 yards further forward. Th
Plymouth hit back 5 minutes later with good movement from a throw in and Edwards got in behind McFadzean and into the
Sunderland dominated possession for the rest of the 2nd half due to Plymouth allowing Sunderland to have the ball up to th
 4-4-2 4-3-3 4-5-1 3-5-2 4-2-3-1 4-1-3-2
Hot Wet Snow Windy Dry Frosty
Dry Wet Good Heavy Average 4g

None 1 2 3 4

Attacking Defensive Neutral

Slow Medium Fast
Long Short Medium Mixed
dy or O’Brien to start the attacks
fensively and can get caught high up the pitch if the ball is played forward early
ue to injury (Sanderson moved to RCB and Power went to RB).
came on for McFadzean & McGeady in like for like changes.
or Winchester which allowed Scowen to push further forward.

e back as the first option where possible.

everal occasions using both feet.
d towards Wyke.

himself big for second goal.

line that was mainly due to Plymouth dropping deep when they were leading.
ally Sanderson. Power did put in some dangerous crosses, but most were from a deep position. McFadzean did create the goal by creati
oved position) used their pace to cover.
d using his strength in the challenge to win the ball.
s to receive the ball with full backs pushing wide.
passes in the first half this may be due to conditions. In the second half they looked to play short passes out wide or into midfield.
ther with different attributes.

nd can be attacked.
cFadzean) lacks pace which can be exploited.

n the 1st half acting as the midfield ball winners also offering cover for the fullbacks. This left a big gap to the wide men and forwards.
ped to receive the ball from the centre backs or goalkeeper.
ther forward and offered more of a threat coming from deep.
create chances and break down the defence.
eativity out wide.
g threat as he will drift inside of the wing to find space.
his pace & direct running to create problems.

llful with the ability to beat an opponent.

hat he can cause problems with powerful running from deep.

cGeady) do not track back enough leaving the full backs exposed.

enough on most occasions.

e intensity was not the best which meant it was not always effective.
en the lines to receive the ball and look for runners out wide.
n and loses a lot in the air from long balls but he will compete.
ball is played to feet or played down the sides of the defence.

vement in the box to get free and are dangerous from crossed ball either in the air or on the floor.

ball to pick a pass.

e ball is played into him to hold up.

dfield is too deep.

aten in behind.
o not win enough.

good in the air.

set pieces.
ho can beat a man 1 v 1 inside or outside.
 kly with 4 players high up the pitch.
eate chances.
mple passing but not always in dangerous areas.

efensive duties leaving full backs with 2v1’s at times.

low which can be exploited.
d allowing the opponents get into their defensive shape.
lying defensive line.

FOOT COMMENTS FROM GAME

L Small in height for a goalkeeper.

Possibly should have made himself bigger for the second goal.
Comfortable playing out from the back with a mixture of long and short passing.
Quick in reacting off his line.
Hard to assess overall ability, not a great deal to do.

R Tall, Quick & athletic

Did not attack when at full back to create overloads.
Played a lot of long balls down the line into the space.
Comfortable on the ball.
Played Centre Back following the Willis substitution.
Looked more comfortable in Centre Back position.
Strong in the challenge, simple passing to retain possession.
Good in the air won most of his challenges.
L Average height & build, not very quick.
No major attacking threat, possibly due to knowing he will have no cover from McGeady.
Won 1 of his 2 headers.
Good tackler, strong in the challenge.
Both goals conceded came from deep in his corner, caused by him not tracking the runner.
2nd half he created the goal from an overload with his overlapping run and dangerous cross to O’Brien.
He does look the weakest link in the defence.
R Average height, athletic & mobile.
Quick recoveries to any balls over the top
Comfortable on the ball, mostly played long balls forward into the space.
Dominant in the air, great leap did not lose a header
More reactive can rely on his pace too much.
R Stocky build & strong.
Comfortable playing out from the back.
Looked for both long balls in behind & short balls into midfield in the second half.
Good in the air but not dominant did lose a couple of headers
Not the most mobile and does not have the burst of pace to recovery.
Good leader and organiser of the defence.
Needs a quick partner with him.
Not really put understand any great pressure in this game.
R Small & quick turn of pace.
Direct running towards the box when facing the goal, improved in the second half with improved pitch conditions
He can beat a man 1 v 1 outside/inside, will generally go outside, tendency to run with his head down.
Crossing was mixed, not enough quality from some positions he got in.
Will press from the front to force passes
Major counter attacking threat
Sometimes he can leave his full back isolated.
Was less effective against the deep defensive line later in the second half.
R Average height & build and very one paced.
Sat too deep in the first half and pushed further forward in the second.
Not particularly creative with his passing.
Competed well in the air & won his fair share of 2nd balls.
Passing was simple, mostly sideways or long into space in behind (may be due to standing water in the middle of
R Average height and build & energetic, covered a lot of ground especially helping McFadzean in the first half
Capable operating box-box, as shown in the 2nd half. Was far too deep in the first half.
Not particularly creative, did cause problems driving from deep on a few occasions in the 2nd half
Lacks height to compete air, very combative tackling in midfield.
Most of his passes were played out to the right due to his body shape.
R Average height who has quick burst of pace with good balance on the ball.
A major threat cutting inside on his right foot to get shots off or to pick out key passes
Needs doubling up on as he can beat a man 1 v 1 outside/inside, tendency to beat his man more than once.
Will press from the front but not with any great conviction.
Major counter attacking threat.
Leaves his full back isolated most of the time, very attack minded.
R Mobile forward with strong build lacks any real pace to threaten in behind.
Will drop in between the lines to receive & link up play.
Good movement in the area mainly getting across the front of defenders. This was how he got a free header for t
Good on the ball but did go missing for periods.
R Big strong forward but prefers to have the ball to feet to hold up or down the sides.
Happy to mix it with defenders but it does not help his game.
Not dominant in the air but all long goal kicks & throw ins down the line are aimed at him.
When attacking the ball in the air from crosses he is a lot more dominant
Does not have any real pace to threaten in behind.
Good touch, holds the ball up well when played to his feet
Few opportunities due to constant long balls in the 1st half and the deep defensive line in the 2nd half.

R -Came on for the injured Willis in the first half and went to RB.
-Average height & build.
-Not a genuine RB and was not an attacking threat.
-Defensively sound but not really tested.
-Comfortable on the ball as you would expect considering he is normally a midfielder with a good range of passin
-Good crosses but mainly delivered from deep areas never got to the byline.
-Not very quick could be attacked 1v1.
L -Came on at LB for McFadzean.
-Average height & build
-Normally a midfielder.
-Never put under any pressure as Plymouth were content on defending the lead.
-Good on the ball, put in a dangerous cross from the byline.
 -Did nothing else of note, and hard to judge performance out of position.
R -Came on for McGeady to be a creative spark.
-Average height & build.
-Some simple passes mainly sideways but nothing dangerous.
-Created nothing of note.
R -Came on late in the game for Winchester.
-Small and stocky build.
-This allowed Scowen to push forward.
-Good passing and tried to increase the tempo.
-Mainly used to move the ball sideways but did try one excellent first time pass in behind the defence but it was o
-Came on too late to make a real difference.

) the target, however the corner was headed clear -Diamond (21) stood in front of the goalkeeper, with Willis (4), Wright (5), Sanderson
4) the target, with the same set up as the previous corner just with the players on the penalty spot making different runs. The corner was
on the 6-yard line with Wright (5) the target. Wright (5) won the header under a challenge and could only flick the ball wide of the targe

Cross by Diamond was eventually blocked for another corner.

he far post area about 10 yards out with Wright (5) the target. He had a free header into the ground and on target but an easy catch for th
(4) the target. He missed the header and O’Brien (10) picked up the loose ball where he got to the byline and stood up a cross to the ba
rds out with Sanderson (16) the target. Headed back to McGeady (28) cross blocked for another corner.
10 yards out with Sanderson (16) the target. Free header which lacked power and went well wide.
wards the front post area about 10 yards out with Sanderson (16) & Wyke (9) the targets. Delivery was slightly behind them and cleared
ds the centre of the goal on the 6-yard line with O’Brien (10) the target. Ball overhit to centre of the goal where the goalkeeper punched
protect the lead and waste time. It was not possible to describe or illustrate any organisation.

e Willis (4), Wright (5) & Wyke (9). Overhit cross led to an unchallenged catch by the goalkeeper in the 6-yard box .
ot, inswinging aimed Wright (5) on the edge of the box. Easily headed clear. Everybody is in the attacking half.

9) 8 yards out in the centre of the goal. Underhit cross which was headed clear under no pressure by a defender. 2 players left on the hal

ds outside the penalty area. Dropped a couple of yards into the box and Willis (4) headed clear. One man left on the halfway line.
h zonal marking. Outswinging ball headed cleared by O’Brien (10) at the front post 7 yards out under pressure from attacker. The ball w

) or inside to the Centre Back.

orward which are easier to deal with.

ont post area.

leaving 2v1’s and McFadzean is not quick or good enough at 1v1 defending to cope.
ht and McFadzean are not quick enough to recover.
dynamic so if you play a three in the middle the game can be easily controlled.

f both teams.

right-hand side for Wyke or O’Brien to chase.

Geady who does not defend. The opposite wide man gets a run on the defenders and attacks the front post to poke the low cross into the
of the ball, but Scowen & Winchester were sat too deep to be creative. Sunderland only looked dangerous when either, O’Brien or McG
0 yards further forward. This led to both full backs playing higher and led to the equaliser. McFadzean combined down the left and crea
nd McFadzean and into the box to fire high into the net. Burge could have made himself bigger to give him a better chance to save it.
nd to have the ball up to the final third. Sunderland never created any good chances and Plymouth were able to see the game out with rel
an did create the goal by creating 2 v 1’s and delivering a dangerous cross but not on a regular basis.

out wide or into midfield.

to the wide men and forwards.
ngerous cross to O’Brien.
alf with improved pitch conditions.
un with his head down.

o standing water in the middle of the pitch).

g McFadzean in the first half

ons in the 2nd half

eat his man more than once.

was how he got a free header for the goal.

sive line in the 2nd half.

fielder with a good range of passing. Nothing penetrating or dangerous.

 in behind the defence but it was offside.

Willis (4), Wright (5), Sanderson (16), Wyke (9) & O’Brien (10) were stood together on the penalty spot. They all made different runs to
g different runs. The corner was only half cleared, and the ball was played back to McGeady whose cross was poor and cleared.
y flick the ball wide of the target. Wright (5) & O’Brien (10) stood in front of the goalkeeper, with Wyke (9), Sanderson (16) & Diamon

on target but an easy catch for the goalkeeper.

e and stood up a cross to the back post where Wright (5) could not direct the header on target.

ightly behind them and cleared easily. – Diamond (21) in the 6-yard box beyond the front post, O’Brien (10) in front of the goalkeeper,
l where the goalkeeper punched clear. O’Brien (10) stood in front of the goalkeeper, with Wyke (9), Wright (5) & Sanderson (16) at the
6-yard box .

fender. 2 players left on the halfway line.

left on the halfway line.

essure from attacker. The ball went out for a throw in on the opposite side.
 t to poke the low cross into the goal.
s when either, O’Brien or McGeady were on the ball. The pair combined to create a chance when McGeady came inside to get himself
ombined down the left and created an overload to deliver a dangerous cross into the 6-yard box where O’Brien got free to head in the co
im a better chance to save it.
ble to see the game out with relative ease.
They all made different runs towards the 6-yard box. Scowen (15) was on the edge of the box.
was poor and cleared.
(9), Sanderson (16) & Diamond (21) at the front post inside the 6-yard box. Power (6) was on the penalty spot. Winchester (26) & Sco

(10) in front of the goalkeeper, Wright (5), Sanderson (16), Wyke (9) & Power (6) on the penalty spot and Winchester (26) on the edge
ght (5) & Sanderson (16) at the front post inside the 6-yard box, also with Diamond (21) at the back post. Power (6) was on the penalty
ady came inside to get himself a 1v1 with the goalkeeper, but it was saved.
Brien got free to head in the corner.
y spot. Winchester (26) & Scowen (15) were on the edge of the box.

d Winchester (26) on the edge of the box.

Power (6) was on the penalty spot. Maguire (7) & Scowen (15) were on the edge of the box.
MATCH REPORT
SUNDERLAND A.F.C.
versus

Plymouth Argyle
###

Stadium of Light

By MARK WOOLNOUGH
SUNDERLAND A.F.C.
REPORT
Formation 4-4-2 Weather Wet Referee Sky Bet
Manager Lee Johnson Pitch conditionsHeavy R Lewis League One

Sunderland AFC Plymouth Argyle

VERSUS

WWDWD DLWDD
8th 15th
LINE UPS:

FORMATION & TACTICAL COMMENTS

Mentality Attacking
Tempo Slow
Passing Long
Look to get the ball to McGeady or O’Brien to start the
Focus
attacks
Wide men are not the best defensively and can get
Other
caught high up the pitch if the ball is played forward
Comments:
early

SUBS MADE:
39 mins Power on for Willis due to injury (Sanderson moved to RCB and Power went to RB).
71 mins Embleton & Maguire came on for McFadzean & McGeady in like for like changes.
79 mins Leadbitter came on for Winchester which allowed Scowen to push further forward.
SUNDERLAND
A.F.C.
Sunderland Plymouth
1 2
AFC Argyle
Half time 0 1

Off target 7 0
On target 5 3
Corners 11 1

SHOTS ONTARGET V OFF

Possession
TARGET
SUNDERLAND AFC 7 [5]
37% PLYMOUTH 3 [0]
63%
On target

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

GOALS
O'Brien 51 mins Lewis 11 mins
Edwards 56 mins

XG TIMELINE

SUNDERLAND 1 (1.3)
PLYMOUTH 2 (0.6)
1.4

1.2

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

0
0 2 8 11 19 21 23 33 36 39 42 51 56 60 71 78 84 91
 A O'BRIEN 0.4 A LEWIS 0.4
A MCGEADY 0.3
SUNDERLAND
A.F.C.

GOALKEEPER
LEE BURGE

GOALKEEPER DISTRIBUTION
Looked to play out short from the back as the first option where possible.
Kicked long under pressure on several occasions using both feet.
Long goal kicks/clearances aimed towards Wyke.

STRENGTHS
Comfortable using both feet.

WEAKNESSES
Small in height and did not make himself big for second goal.

DEFENSIVE UNIT - RB/CB/CB/LB

SANDERSON - WILLIS (POWER) - WRIGHT - MCFAZDEAN
(EMBLETON)

DEFENSIVE UNIT (TACTICAL)

Looked to hold a high defensive line that was mainly due to Plymouth
dropping deep when they were leading.

Willis & Sanderson (when he moved position) used their pace to cover.

Wright like to engage the forward using his strength in the challenge to win the ball.

Centre backs split from goal kicks to receive the ball with full backs pushing wide.
Both Centre backs played longer passes in the first half this may be due to
conditions. In the second half they looked to play short passes out wide or
into midfield.

STRENGTHS
Strong in the air
Good shape as full backs do not attack.
Centre backs compliment each other with different attributes.

WEAKNESSES
Fullbacks are regularly left 2v1 and can be attacked.
Left side of defence (Wright & McFadzean) lacks pace which can be exploited.
 SUNDERLAND
A.F.C.

MIDFIELD - RM/CM/CM/LM
DIAMOND - SCOWEN - WINCHESTER - MCGEADY

MIDFIELD UNIT (TACTICAL)

Both Scowen & Winchester dropped to receive the ball from the centre
backs or goalkeeper.
Second half Scowen operated further forward and offered more of a threat
coming from deep.
No central midfield playmaker to create chances and break down the defence.
McGeady & Diamond offered creativity out wide.
McGeady is the biggest attacking threat as he will drift inside of the wing
to find space.
Diamond stayed out wide using his pace & direct running to create problems.

STRENGTHS
Both wide men are quick and skillful with the ability to beat an opponent.
McGeady is the main attacking threat.
Direct running of the wide men.
Scowen showed in the 2nd half that he can cause problems with powerful
running from deep.

WEAKNESSES
One paced central midfield pairing.
Creativity only comes from wide men.
Passing can be slow and often sideways.
The two wide men (especially McGeady) do not track back enough
leaving the full backs exposed.
 SUNDERLAND
A.F.C.

FORWARDS - CFWD/CFWD
WYKE - O'BRIEN

FORWARDS UNIT (TACTICAL)

Wyke was used as the target man.
O’Brien & Wyke were not close enough on most occasions.
They did try to press high, but the intensity was not the best which meant
it was not always effective.
O’Brien willing to drop in between the lines to receive the ball and look
for runners out wide.
Wyke is not a genuine target man and loses a lot in the air from long balls
but he will compete.
Both players are better when the ball is played to feet or played down the
sides of the defence.

STRENGTHS
Wyke & O’Brien have good movement in the box to get free and are
dangerous from crossed ball either in the air or on the floor.
Good movement and good tight control.
O’Brien has good ability on the ball to pick a pass.
Wyke has good strength when the ball is played into him to hold up.

WEAKNESSES
Can be left isolated when the midfield is too deep.
Do not have genuine pace to threaten in behind.
Will compete for long balls but do not win enough.
 SUNDERLAND
A.F.C.

TEAM UNIT
TEAM STRENGTHS
Physically strong defence that is good in the air.
Defensively good at dealing with set pieces.
Technically good wide players who can beat a man 1 v 1 inside or outside.
Can turn defence into attack quickly with 4 players high up the pitch.
Good movement in the box to create chances.
Midfield keep possession with simple passing but not always in dangerous areas.

TEAM WEAKNESSES
Central midfield lacing creativity.
Wide men do not perform their defensive duties leaving full backs with 2v1’s at times.
Left hand side of the defence is slow which can be exploited.
SUNDERLAND
A.F.C.
POSITIO
AG HEIG FOO
PLAYER N(S) PLA COMMENTS FROM GAME
E HT T
YED
Lee Burge (1) GK 28 5ft11 L Small in height for a goalkeeper.
Possibly should have made himself bigger for the
second goal.
Comfortable playing out from the back with a mixture
of long and short passing.
Quick in reacting off his line.
Hard to assess overall ability, not a great deal to do.

Dion RB & 21 6ft 2 R Tall, Quick & athletic

Sanderson (16) RCB Did not attack when at full back to create overloads.
Played a lot of long balls down the line into the space.
Comfortable on the ball.
Played Centre Back following the Willis substitution.
Looked more comfortable in Centre Back position.
Strong in the challenge, simple passing to retain possession.
Good in the air won most of his challenges.

Callum LB 27 5ft 11 L Average height & build, not very quick.

McFadzean (Sub 71mins) No major attacking threat, possibly due to knowing he
(25) will have no cover from McGeady.
Won 1 of his 2 headers.
Good tackler, strong in the challenge.
Both goals conceded came from deep in his corner,
caused by him not tracking the runner.
2nd half he created the goal from an overload with his
overlapping run and dangerous cross to O’Brien.
He does look the weakest link in the defence.

Jordan RCB 26 5ft11 R Average height, athletic & mobile.

Willis (4) (Sub 36mins)
Quick recoveries to any balls over the top
Comfortable on the ball, mostly played long balls
forward into the space.
Dominant in the air, great leap did not lose a header
More reactive can rely on his pace too much.

Bailey
LCB 28 6ft R Stocky build & strong.
Wright (5)
Comfortable playing out from the back.
Looked for both long balls in behind & short balls into
midfield in the second half.
Good in the air but not dominant did lose a couple of headers
Not the most mobile and does not have the burst of
pace to recovery.
Good leader and organiser of the defence.
Needs a quick partner with him.
Not really put understand any great pressure in
this game.
tain possession.

ouple of headers
SUNDERLAN
D A.F.C.
POSITIO
AG HEIG FOO COMMENTS FROM GAME
PLAYER N(S) PLA
E HT T
YED
Jack Small & quick turn of pace.
Diamond RM 21 5ft 8 R Direct running towards the box when facing the goal,
(21) improved in the second half with improved pitch
conditions.
He can beat a man 1 v 1 outside/inside, will generally go
outside, tendency to run with his head down.
Crossing was mixed, not enough quality from some
positions he got in.
Will press from the front to force passes
Major counter attacking threat
Sometimes he can leave his full back isolated.
Was less effective against the deep defensive line later in
the second half.

Carl CM Average height & build and very one paced.

Winchester (Sub 27 5ft 10 R Sat too deep in the first half and pushed further forward in
(26) 78mins) the second.
Not particularly creative with his passing.
Competed well in the air & won his fair share of 2nd balls.
Passing was simple, mostly sideways or long into space in
behind (may be due to standing water in the middle of the
pitch).
Average height and build & energetic, covered a lot of
ground especially helping McFadzean in the first half
Capable operating box-box, as shown in the 2nd half. Was
far too deep in the first half.

Josh CM 27 5ft 10 R Average height and build & energetic, covered a lot of
Scowen ground especially helping McFadzean in the first half
(14)
Capable operating box-box, as shown in the 2nd half. Was
far too deep in the first half.
Not particularly creative, did cause problems driving from
deep on a few occasions in the 2nd half
Lacks height to compete air, very combative tackling in
midfield.
Most of his passes were played out to the right due to his
body shape.

Aiden LM 34 5ft 11 R Average height who has quick burst of pace with good
McGeady balance on the ball.
(28) (Sub A major threat cutting inside on his right foot to get shots
71mins) off or to pick out key passes
Needs doubling up on as he can beat a man 1 v 1
outside/inside, tendency to beat his man more than once.

Will press from the front but not with any great conviction.
Major counter attacking threat.
Leaves his full back isolated most of the time, very attack
minded.
f 2nd balls.

conviction.
SUNDERLAND
A.F.C.
POSITIO
AG HEIG FOO COMMENTS FROM GAME
PLAYER N(S) PLA
E HT T
YED
Aiden ST 27 6ft R Mobile forward with strong build lacks any real pace to
O’Brien (10 threaten in behind.
)
Will drop in between the lines to receive & link up play.
Good movement in the area mainly getting across the
front of defenders. This was how he got a free header for
the goal.
Good on the ball but did go missing for periods.

Charlie ST 28 6ft 2 R Big strong forward but prefers to have the ball to feet to
Wyke (9) hold up or down the sides.
Happy to mix it with defenders but it does not help his game.
Not dominant in the air but all long goal kicks & throw
ins down the line are aimed at him.
When attacking the ball in the air from crosses he is a lot
more dominant
Does not have any real pace to threaten in behind.
Good touch, holds the ball up well when played to his feet
Few opportunities due to constant long balls in the 1st
half and the deep defensive line in the 2nd half.
help his game.

d to his feet
SUNDERLAN
D A.F.C.
POSITIO
AG HEIG FOO
PLAYER N(S) PLA COMMENTS FROM GAME
E HT T
YED
Max -Came on for the injured Willis in the first half and went to RB.
RB 27 5ft 11 R
Power (6) -Average height & build.
-Not a genuine RB and was not an attacking threat.
-Defensively sound but not really tested.
-Comfortable on the ball as you would expect considering
he is normally a midfielder with a good range of passing.
Nothing penetrating or dangerous.
-Good crosses but mainly delivered from deep areas never
got to the byline.
-Not very quick could be attacked 1v1.

Elliot -Came on at LB for McFadzean.

Embleton CM 27 5ft 10 R
-Average height & build
(17)
-Normally a midfielder.
-Never put under any pressure as Plymouth were content
on defending the lead.
-Good on the ball, put in a dangerous cross from the byline.
-Did nothing else of note, and hard to judge performance
out of position.

Chris LM 32 5ft 10 R
Maguire (7)
-Came on for McGeady to be a creative spark.
-Average height & build.
-Some simple passes mainly sideways but nothing dangerous.
-Created nothing of note.

Grant CM 35 5ft 9 R -Came on late in the game for Winchester.

Leadbitter ( -Small and stocky build.
23)
-This allowed Scowen to push forward.
-Good passing and tried to increase the tempo.
-Mainly used to move the ball sideways but did try one
excellent first time pass in behind the defence but it was
offside.
-Came on too late to make a real difference.
 and went to RB.

m the byline.

ng dangerous.
SUNDERLAN
D A.F.C.
SET PIECES: ATTACKING CORNERS LEFT
1st on 17:35 McGeady (28) right footed inswinging delivery towards the front post with Wyke (9) the
target, however the corner was headed clear -Diamond (21) stood in front of the goalkeeper, with
Willis (4), Wright (5), Sanderson (16), Wyke (9) & O’Brien (10) were stood together on the penalty
spot. They all made different runs towards the 6-yard box. Scowen (15) was on the edge of the box.

2nd on 19:45 McGeady (28) right footed inswinging delivery towards the front post with Willis (4) the
target, with the same set up as the previous corner just with the players on the penalty spot making
different runs. The corner was only half cleared, and the ball was played back to McGeady whose cross
was poor and cleared.

3rd on 42:32 McGeady (28) right footed high inswinging delivery towards the centre of the goal on the
6-yard line with Wright (5) the target. Wright (5) won the header under a challenge and could only
flick the ball wide of the target. Wright (5) & O’Brien (10) stood in front of the goalkeeper, with Wyke
(9), Sanderson (16) & Diamond (21) at the front post inside the 6-yard box. Power (6) was on the
penalty spot. Winchester (26) & Scowen (15) were on the edge of the box.
SUNDERLAN
D A.F.C.
SET PIECES: ATTACKING CORNERS RIGHT
1st on 20:50 McGeady (28) right footed raised his right hand and played it short to Diamond (21).
Cross by Diamond was eventually blocked for another corner.

2nd on 21:25 McGeady (28) right footed with a high floated outswinging delivery deep towards the far
post area about 10 yards out with Wright (5) the target. He had a free header into the ground and on
target but an easy catch for the goalkeeper.

3rd on 23:25 McGeady (28) right footed driven towards the centre about 10 yards out with Willis (4)
the target. He missed the header and O’Brien (10) picked up the loose ball where he got to
the byline and stood up a cross to the back post where Wright (5) could not direct the header on target.

4th on 38:35 McGeady (28) right footed high outswinging delivery towards the centre about 8 yards out
with Sanderson (16) the target. Headed back to McGeady (28) cross blocked for another corner.

5th on 39:06 McGeady (28) right footed high outswinging delivery towards the far post area about 10
yards out with Sanderson (16) the target. Free header which lacked power and went well wide.

6th on 59:08 McGeady (28) raised his left hand and played a right footed outswinging delivery towards
the front post area about 10 yards out with Sanderson (16) & Wyke (9) the targets. Delivery was
slightly behind them and cleared easily. – Diamond (21) in the 6-yard box beyond the front post,
O’Brien (10) in front of the goalkeeper, Wright (5), Sanderson (16), Wyke (9) & Power (6) on the
penalty spot and Winchester (26) on the edge of the box.

7th on 74:14 Embleton (17) raised his left hand and played a left footed inswinging delivery towards
the centre of the goal on the 6-yard line with O’Brien (10) the target. Ball overhit to centre of the goal
where the goalkeeper punched clear. O’Brien (10) stood in front of the goalkeeper, with Wyke (9),
Wright (5) & Sanderson (16) at the front post inside the 6-yard box, also with Diamond (21) at the back
post. Power (6) was on the penalty spot. Maguire (7) & Scowen (15) were on the edge of the box.
SUNDERLAN
D A.F.C.
SET PIECES: DEFENSIVE CORNERS RIGHT:
None taken.

SET PIECES: DEFENSIVE CORNERS LEFT:

1ST corner came in 2nd half injury time which was taken short by Plymouth who were looking to
protect the lead and waste time. It was not possible to describe or illustrate any organisation.

SET PIECES: ATTACKING FREE KICK LEFT:

1st on 05:00, McGeady (28) takes with his right foot, inswinging aimed to back post. Targets were
Willis (4), Wright (5) & Wyke (9). Overhit cross led to an unchallenged catch by the goalkeeper in the
6-yard box.
2nd on 73:18, Maguire (7) raises his left hand takes 40 yards out, on the touchline with his right
foot, inswinging aimed Wright (5) on the edge of the box. Easily headed clear. Everybody is in the
attacking half.

SET PIECES: ATTACKING FREE KICK RIGHT:

1st on 46:09, McGeady (28) takes with his right foot, floated over the wall aimed towards Wyke (9) 8
yards out in the centre of the goal. Underhit cross which was headed clear under no pressure by a
defender. 2 players left on the halfway line.
SUNDERLAN
D A.F.C.
SET PIECES: DEFENSIVE CORNERS RIGHT:
None taken.

SET PIECES: DEFENSIVE FREE KICK LEFT:

1st on 28:06, about 40 yards out Sunderland held a very high line with zonal marking, about 6 yards
outside the penalty area. Dropped a couple of yards into the box and Willis (4) headed clear. One man
left on the halfway line.

2nd on 55:06, about 35 yards out on the touchline. Sunderland held a line on the 18-yard box with
zonal marking. Outswinging ball headed cleared by O’Brien (10) at the front post 7 yards out under
pressure from attacker. The ball went out for a throw in on the opposite side.

SET PIECE SUMMARY

Mainly down the line to Wyke (9) or inside to the Centre
THROW INS: Back.
PENALTIES: None
TEAMS BEST AERIAL PLAYERS:
Willis, Wyke, Sanderson & Wright.
STRONGEST PLAYERS: Willis, Wright & Sanderson.
BEST CROSSERS OF THE BALL:
McGeady.
WHO IS A THREAT FROMMcGeady
RANGE:& O’Brien.
SUNDERLAN
D A.F.C.
SET PIECE SUMMARY
Mainly down the line to Wyke (9) or inside to the
THROW INS:
Centre Back.
PENALTIES: None
TEAMS BEST AERIAL PLAYERS:
Willis, Wyke, Sanderson & Wright.
TEAMS QUICKEST PLAYERS:
Diamond, McGeady, Willis & Sanderson.
STRONGEST PLAYERS: Willis, Wright & Sanderson.
MOST TECHNICAL/CREATIVE:
McGeady & O’Brien
BEST CROSSERS OF THE BALL:
McGeady.
WHO IS A THREAT FROMMcGeady
RANGE:& O’Brien.
WHO SHOULD BE CLOSED McGeady,
DOWN: Diamond & O’Brien.
MAIN GOAL THREAT(S): Wyke, O’Brien, McGeady & Diamond.
REGULAR PLAYER MISSING?
Lyndon
: Gooch missing due to COVID 19

WAYS TO BEAT THEM / STOP THEM THREATENING

Defend deep with men behind the ball to limit the space in behind and to stop the threat of wide men.

Let the defence have the ball and close options into the midfield too make them play long balls
forward which are easier to deal with.

Wyke will be looking for balls down the sides of the centre backs.

There is a lot of space to attack down the left side of the defence. McGeady does not track back
leaving 2v1’s and McFadzean is not quick or good enough at 1v1 defending to cope.

If they play two midfielders they will be of a similar style. Neither will have any pace and are
not dynamic so if you play a three in the middle the game can be easily controlled.
at of wide men.
SUNDERLAN
D A.F.C.
GAME SUMMARY:
The pitch had standing water on initially from the start which may have changed the
game plan of both teams.

Plymouth adapted quickly and better to the conditions and dominated possession
early in the half.

Sunderland seemed happy to play long balls forward in behind the wing backs
mainly down their right-hand side for Wyke or O’Brien to chase.

Plymouth scored after 11 minutes with a good move down their right using the
space left my McGeady who does not defend. The opposite wide man gets a run on
the defenders and attacks the front post to poke the low cross into the goal.

Throughout the rest of the half Plymouth were happy to sit on the lead. Sunderland
did get more of the ball, but Scowen & Winchester were sat too deep to be creative.
Sunderland only looked dangerous when either, O’Brien or McGeady were on the
ball. The pair combined to create a chance when McGeady came inside to get
himself a 1v1 with the goalkeeper, but it was saved.
Second half started with Sunderland more attacking due to both Scowen &
Winchester playing 10 yards further forward. This led to both full backs playing
higher and led to the equaliser. McFadzean combined down the left and created an
overload to deliver a dangerous cross into the 6-yard box where O’Brien got free to
head in the corner.
Plymouth hit back 5 minutes later with good movement from a throw in and
Edwards got in behind McFadzean and into the box to fire high into the net. Burge
could have made himself bigger to give him a better chance to save it.

Sunderland dominated possession for the rest of the 2nd half due to Plymouth
allowing Sunderland to have the ball up to the final third. Sunderland never created
any good chances and Plymouth were able to see the game out with relative ease.