Many had expected Sunderland to beat Bristol City fairly comfortably on Tuesday night, but it wasn’t to be, with both teams sharing a point apiece.
Sunderland came into the game on the back of an impressive win over Stoke City on Saturday, and the Championship high-fliers started strong against Bristol City, too.
However, for all of the dominance Regis Le Bris’ side showed in the first half, they were punished after the break with Bristol City capitalising on some horrendous defending from the Black Cats.
Le Bris had warned his team of the threats Bristol City could pose, but it seems the Robins came to the Stadium of Light with a little surprise up their sleeves, too.
- READ MORE: Sunderland player ratings vs Bristol City, two 4/10 defenders but Patrick Roberts saves the day
Bristol City pressed higher and didn’t give Sunderland’s wide men time or space
Speaking to the press after the game (via the Sunderland Echo), Bristol City boss Liam Manning revealed how he switched things up at half time after seeing Sunderland’s wide players given too much freedom in the first 45 minutes.
Manning said: “First half I felt we allowed them too much territory, we were too deep and that’s why we made the change of shape. It allowed us to press a little higher. We went with a back four first half and we basically found it difficult to apply pressure higher up the pitch.
“We switched to a back five at half time which made it 3-v-3 in our last line instead of 3-v-4. We committed that extra body higher and wider, which helped us stop them progressing it into wide areas so easily.
“I thought the lads did a good job of it, forced a few mistakes and got us higher up the pitch. I think the change did help us.”
For those watching the game, the swing in momentum was clear to see after half time, with Bristol City taking control of the match and punishing Sunderland for their wastefulness in the first half.
While both Patrick Roberts and Eliezer Mayenda played well throughout, their impact was limited by the more restrictive game plan implemented by Manning and his Bristol players.
- READ MORE: Regis Le Bris says Sunderland star is ‘an example’ for his teammates after Bristol City clash
Sunderland need to be more adaptable, they have to find a plan B
Sunderland are very good at what they do. When they are at their expansive, attacking best, there are very few teams in the Championship that can stop the Black Cats.
However, Sunderland have been struggling in front of goal lately and are finding it more difficult to break teams down, probably because sides have started to figure out their tactics.
One major issue is the downturn in form of Wilson Isidor, with the Sunderland striker now five games without a goal.
It’s clear that Le Bris either needs to shake up his team selection, or come up with an alternative tactical plan that can be employed when teams are trying to stifle Sunderland, lest his side drop more and more points this season.