The victory against Millwall showcased one correct Sunderland decision made by Kristja Speakman.
Sunderland beat Millwall at the weekend, with Regis Le Bris’ side seeing off Alex Neil to get back to winning ways.
Many players were at the top of their abilities as the Black Cats notched the 1-0 win, Trai Hume shone for Sunderland and bagged the winning goal, whilst fellow defender Chris Mepham was brilliant.
Unfortunately, Sunderland showed little attacking intent, and much of that came from Wilson Isidor’s struggles in the final third, whether it was his composure infront of goal, or the difficulty for the Black Cats to actually get the Frenchman on the ball.
Despite this, it is cleat that, despite the troubles in the striker department for Sunderland at the weekend wouldn’t have been rectified by one former player that was let go this season.
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Aaron Connolly’s Millwall performance vs Sunderland proved Kristjaan Speakman made correct transfer decision
Following the summer transfer window, Sunderland signed Aaron Connolly, a free agent striker that had Championship experience, predominantly notched with Hull City.
Whilst Connolly was always viewed as a back-up on Wearside, he still struggled to offer any attacking prowess to the side, notching just one goal for Sunderland.
Because of his lack of action, he wished to move on to fellow Championship side Millwall, and whilst it was a surprise for Sunderland to get rid of a striker, despite the options being limited up front for Le Bris’ side, it is clear that they made the correct call after he yet again struggled to get going for his new side.
He started at the Stadium of Light against Sunderland, however, per SofaScore, his 89 minutes of action saw him notch just one shot off target, and accumulate 48 touches, whilst losing possession on 17 occasions, a performance that suggests that Kristjaan Speakman’s decision to sanction a move for the Irishman was a correct one.
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Why Aaron Connolly’s tenure on Wearside didn’t work out
Before Connolly departed from Sunderland, Black Cats boss was asked about the Irish striker’s future at the club, to which he said: “The connection and the journey at the club are important for the player, but this window is an opportunity for everyone to reassess and for Aaron, it was very clear that he wanted to play, but couldn’t really build momentum because he was behind Wilson [Isidor] and Eliezer [Mayenda].
“We can understand his situation, and if we can find a positive solution for all sides, we will move forward.”
It is clear that Speakman was left with two options surrounding Connolly, and that was to either succumb to his game-time requirements, which may have hampered Eliezer Mayenda and Isidor, or alternatively move him on. Thankfully, the latter was actioned, as in hindsight, Sunderland haven’t sorely missed the departed striker this season.