How a transformed Will Grigg could become the crucial missing piece of Sunderland's promotion puzzle

Wyke on, Grigg off was the presumption. As it was, Aiden O’Brien was sacrificed as Phil Parkinson shuffled his pack.

And the fact that Grigg wasn’t sacrificed speaks volumes about the impact he had on this game – and the new-found confidence he seems to have found on Wearside.

Just over a month ago, talk of Grigg centred around his future, around days being numbered in the North East. But now, it’s on improved form and that famous fire re-lighting.

His performance against Hull City, while not yielding any goals, suggested that he does have a future under Parkinson at the Stadium of Light.

That said, the striker was unlucky not to be on the scoresheet after seeing two goals chalked out – both of which were somewhat contentious when watched back.

Much has been made of the fact that the striker looks leaner and fitter than he has done before, and his pressing game looked much better than what we have seen in the past. Countless times he chased down lost causes, and won more than his fair share of corners and throw-ins thanks to his relentless pressure on the visiting backline.

He ran the channels well and created opportunities for those around him, too. One notable moment came when he whipped in a superb cross which just needed a touch to open the scoring – with the sliding Aiden O’Brien unable to make contact.

Even as the game ebbed out in the final stages, Grigg was pressing. Harrying. Hounding the Hull defence.

It was that work rate that had originally seen Wyke preferred, but Grigg is now emerging as a more than credible challenger.

In the shootout, his penalty was poor – but don’t let that cloud an otherwise promising performance.

We're seeing a new side to Grigg, one which suggests he could yet be the missing piece of the promotion puzzle for Sunderland this term.

The Black Cats have long needed a goalscorer, and now – close to two years after his arrival – Grigg may be emerging as just that.

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