In an ideal world, this was not the XI either Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris or West Brom counterpart Carlos Corberan would have selected for Tuesday’s clash at the Stadium of Light.
While Sunderland did have Patrick Roberts and Jobe Bellingham back, the absence of Dennis Cirkin forced Trai Hume into a left-back berth against The Baggies while captain Luke O’Nien started on the opposite flank.
West Brom, meanwhile, lost Ousmane Diakite in the warm-up. And Kyle Bartley, rushed back after six matches out of action due to a knee injury, only lasted 45 minutes himself, midfielder Uros Racic forced to play the second-half in an unfamiliar central defensive position.
So, amid testing circumstances, both Le Bris and Corberan were keen to take the positives out of a tense goalless draw rather than dwell on the negatives.
The Baggies were denied the chance to move to within three points of their hosts as Dan Ballard made a sensational goalline block late on. But Ballard’s heroics only came after Wilson Isidor, Patrick Roberts had come close at the other end, Corberan accepting that Sunderland were probably more deserving of the victory.
West Brom boss highlights Sunderland’s impressive press
“It’s true, it wasn’t our best display,” Corberan admits. “Sunderland were probably better than us. They created more chances than us, but I value the mentality of the team so much. In difficult circumstances, they have put in a lot of effort to achieve the point.
“The was so much resilience and commitment out there. You have to overcome difficult moments and we’ve done that tonight. You have to keep going and you have to defend well.
Corberan believes that West Brom, who managed a grand total of two shots on goal throughout on Wearside, were kept at arms’ length by an organised Sunderland press.
Bellingham, Roberts and the tigerish Chris Rigg all completed three tackles apiece, Sunderland’s usually attack-minded players doing the dirty work and defending from the front.
“We tried to attack in some moments but we couldn’t break the press,” adds the former Leeds United assistant coach. “It was difficult to put the game in the attacking half.
“We were defending more than we were attacking and they created many more chances than us, but it’s important to be mentally strong to compete in the Championship.
“It’s important for the players to understand that they are going to go into some games where moments will be difficult and they will face challenges. We have lost important players, but the more challenges you face, the more personality you need to put on the pitch.
“I liked the reaction from the players today.”
Sunderland’s defence comes to the fore again at the Stadium of Light
While Sunderland’s attack drew a blank again – that is three goalless draws in five Championship games now – at least Regis Le Bris can rely upon a watertight backline.
If you don’t win, after all, at least ensure you don’t lose.
And with the aforementioned Ballard in such stubborn form, and with Chris Mepham earning a reputation as perhaps Sunderland’s finest defensive signing in recent memory, the Black Cats at least have the foundations to build a promotion charge upon.