Lee Johnson identifies his preferred Sunderland shape after Hull City changes draw encouraging signs

The Black Cats had used that shape against Doncaster Rovers at the beginning of their unbeaten run, but a raft of defensive injuries forced Johnson to quickly abandon it.

Sunderland impressed in the first half at the KCOM Stadium, with Josh Scowen in particular benefiting from the extra midfielder behind him.

Hull responded strongly in the second half, with Johnson adding that having to field so many players out of position in defence was beginning to catch up with his side.

Asked afterwards by The Echo whether the initial success due to the change of shape had given him something to think about moving forwards, Johnson said the system is always at the forefront of his thinking.

“I think that’s always the preferred shape," he said.

"I haven’t always been able to play that, but it’s what we’ll recruit to – a six, an eight and a ten.

"Sometimes, you play with two eights or two sixes and a ten, to whatever. But that version of 4-3-3 is what we’re well suited to.

"For whatever reason, sometimes this season we haven’t been able to do that. Mainly, it’s because we have five centre-halves out injured!"

Lynden Gooch played an integral part in both of Sunderland's goals as he returned on the right of the front three.

It's a position which he has played regularly in the past but Johnson has always been keen to praise his versatility and said that continues to be key.

“If you look at his [Gooch] individual attributes, then he is comfortable in two or three different positions," he said.

"He’s a little street-fighter almost. He’s got a good centre of gravity and he can roll you if you get too tight. He can go past people with dynamism and power.

"I think depending on the game, that determines the personnel required.

"When we played him in the nine and a half in the home game, he scored and set up one as well.

"I wouldn’t pigeon-hole him at this moment in time for what we need."

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