Inside the encouraging cameo that could prove to be hugely significant for Lee Johnson and Sunderland

The significance of this debut went beyond the headline act.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

It was some leap from Ross Stewart. Questionable goalkeeping perhaps, but a defining contribution nevertheless, breaking open the kind of tense game that can slow the momentum of a promotion push.

What was notable about Stewart's second half cameo, was the way it highlighted the importance of the role he has to play in the coming weeks.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Sunderland supporters will know the perils of reading too much into a lively debut cameo (take Rade Prica, for example), but there was heart to be taken from the way the former Ross County striker linked up play and occupied defenders.

Ross Stewart leaps to put Sunderland into the lead at Accrington StanleyRoss Stewart leaps to put Sunderland into the lead at Accrington Stanley
Ross Stewart leaps to put Sunderland into the lead at Accrington Stanley

Part of it was the unique challenge of the night.

On a poor pitch and against an imposing opponent, Sunderland made a calculation that they would have to be more direct.

Carl Winchester, who excelled throughout, spoke of the perils of taking too many touches on a surface where the risk of getting caught was high.

So the Black Cats knew that they would have to go from back to front quicker, and that the best way to build pressure was to hit the channels with regularity.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In short, it was the perfect half for the lesser-seen 'big man, big man' combination.

It's a partnership we may well see more of, though, even in conditions where Sunderland play their more natural game.

The conventional wisdom when Stewart arrived was that he would provide cover/competition for Charlie Wyke and to an extent, that was of course the case.

With Will Grigg and Danny Graham struggling for rhythm, it was clear that Lee Johnson would need to freshen up his striking options.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It felt as if the Black Cats were an injury to Wyke away from being left significantly short of firepower and that has remained the case, to an extent at least, through this recent run.

Johnson believes that the amount of defensive work Stewart had to do in a struggling Ross County side masked his attacking potential, and it is clear that the Head Coach would have no qualms asking him to lead the line.

When Johnson speaks of Stewart's attributes, though, it's clear that he sees him as someone who can partner Wyke more regularly.

He talks of Stewart's ability to stretch the play, chase his own flick-ons, and an athleticism that will suit the new counter-pressing style.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In short, he is a player who can replicate not just Wyke's role, but Aiden O'Brien's.

The Irishman has been a perhaps underrated player in Sunderland's revival. His contributions are not always eye-catching but he has played a crucial role in creating space for Wyke and his team-mates.

He backs up Wyke in the press, occupies defenders and gives team-mates and outlet when under pressure by moving into the channels.

In his absence, the Black Cats have often struggled with the balance of their side and Wednesday evening was an example of that, Wyke often left to battle against three centre-halves on his own.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The demands of Sunderland's schedule makes injury setbacks and rotation an inevitability.

Stewart's arrival is timely as it means that even while rotating, Johnson has a better chance of keeping the balance of his side in place.

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Sunderland AFC coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor