Cup upset: Where does Sunderland go from here?
A 1-0 dismal defeat away from home to EFL League One side Port Vale saw the Black Cats dumped out of the FA Cup fifth round.
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Golden opportunity missed?
After overseeing Everton and Oxford United in round three and four, respectively. Regis Le Bris’ side may have potentially seen this game at Vale Park as a comfortable chance to reach the quarter finals. Although, this was not the case whatsoever.
After a fantastic away win over Leeds United midweek, Sunderland reached the 40 points mark within the Premier League, an amazing achievement for a newly promoted side and they would have been looking ahead to this game in full confidence.
A valiant Port Vale outbattled Le Bris’ men throughout the whole 90 with their defensive gameplan frustrating Sunderland and not allowing them a way into the game. The Mackem’s were wasteful with the chances they created and looked toothless in front of goal.
Where did it all go wrong?
Luke Onien’s questionable acrobatics saved by Melker Ellborg nearly gave The Valiants an early lead showing the defensive complacency early in the first half of the tie. Shortly after, a scramble inside the box led to a well-taken header from Ben Waine who wheeled away to celebrate in front of the Sunderland supporters.
Following this, the reaction of the players has been deemed to be questionable on social media after their performance lasted throughout the whole game. Tactically, the Frenchman had gotten it all wrong in terms of the sitting back defensive approach Sunderland took during the match.
The attitude of the squad should also be considered with the actions of some players during the game. For example, the laughing of Ellborg after Onien’s defensive play has sparked frustration amongst fans and rightly so.
It continues the miserable away form that has carried throughout the season as there have only been three victories on the road in the Premier League. Alongside this, the Black Cats have seen cup knockouts to two League One sides this season after a penalty shootout loss to Huddersfield Town back in August in the Carabao Cup.
Questions over overall play
The build-up play in this game particularly was slow, allowing the Port Vale players to get back in their numbers. Le Bris’ side had the majority of the possession yesterday but were unable to find a way to breakdown Valiant’s defence.
Specifically, the attacking force for Sunderland has not been strong as of late, and this has been a demining factor for the Black Cats. This is because they sit 19th in the XG table (expected goals) in the Premier League.
It also follows with four goals in seven games, 3 of which were penalties. There is a clear problem which needs to address whether that be with the strikers or wingers in open play.
