Sunderland lost 2-1 at home to Swansea City today, in Mike Dodds’ opening game in interim charge.
For Dodds, today was far from the start he would’ve hoped for in what is now his third spell as Sunderland‘s interim boss.
Sunderland sacked Michael Beale this week and placed the well-liked Dodds in charge until the summer, but he had to endure a torrid first half performance from his side today.
The Black Cats were a mess at the back, conceding two goals before the break and perhaps being lucky to have only conceded twice.
Luke O’Nien pulled one back in the second half with Sunderland looking much improved after the break.
Though they couldn’t salvage a point at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland miss Jack Clarke and Dan Ballard
For today’s game, Jack Clarke was injured and Dan Ballard was suspended.
It forced Dodds to change shape with Sunderland going five-at-the-back to start, but quickly changing after a poor opening 45 minutes.
Still, Sunderland are a team with some good young players in the side, but without Clarke in attack and Ballard propping the team up, the Black Cats looked lost.
And journalist James Hunter picked up on the fact, posting on X:
Black Cats could be in for a testing 2024/25 campaign
Sunderland certainly missed Clarke and Ballard today.
Dodds may well have been surprised with how different the team looks without the pair in it, and with both attracting interest ahead of the summer, it could spell trouble for Sunderland.
Clarke obviously has a long list of Premier League and European suitors, whilst recent reports have tipped Everton to make a summer move for Ballard.
So for the Black Cats, and whoever might be in charge for next season, it could be a very testing campaign.
Expectations will remain high no matter what players come and go in the summer. But, after today’s performance, if Ballard and Clarke leave, and the replacements aren’t up to the mark, Sunderland could struggle.
Like Hunt says, Sunderland look like a very mediocre, mid-table club without the pair in the XI, and with Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and co keen to see the Black Cats return to the Premier League, the head coach’s job could become a contested one.
Up next for the Black Cats is a trip to Norwich City next weekend.