A mentality switch and the ‘ugly stuff’: Lynden Gooch reveals the secret to Sunderland’s unbeaten start

The Black Cats made it four wins from six in League One with a victory over Crewe Alexandra on Tuesday evening, with Phil Parkinson’s side yet to taste defeat this term.

While an impressive defensive record has been the subject of much attention, the Wearsiders are starting to click in an attacking sense and put in one of their best performances of the season against the Railwaymen.

And Gooch believes that a united approach to doing the ‘ugly stuff’ is proving key as Sunderland continue their climb up the third tier table.

"I think we’re just really hard to beat at the minute,” he said.

"Everyone is doing their jobs and it doesn’t matter who’s playing. It’s the ugly stuff you need to do - block shots, block crosses and everyone is doing that.

"Even heading the ball out box from corners, Charlie is doing that as well. Those are the ugly things that don’t really get recognised but we know we need to do them as a team.

"I think we’ve been unlucky not to get more goals which maybe would have made games more comfortable for ourselves, but at the end of the day if you can grind those wins out then that’s the main thing.

"I think everyone knows their roles and responsibilities,” he continued.

"That’s well drilled into us and that’s part of the platform that is enabling us to keep clean sheets, that’s really big and we’re organised. We’re working really hard in and out of possession as a team.”

But while that effort on the field has contributed to the fine start, so too has a real shift in mentality in the dressing room.

Having seen their promotion hopes end when last season was decided by a points-per-game formula, Sunderland know they need to make each and every game count this season – and Gooch says that has fostered a culture where every fixture is being viewed as a cup final.

“I think teams have come here and seen it as their cup final, but this season - like we said in the dressing room tonight - we’re playing as if it’s our cup final every game at the minute,” explained the forward.

"We just need to keep doing that. Teams have tried to come here and maybe not played in this sort of stadium before, and we just need to make sure we’re on top at all times and don’t give them a sniff.”

And that was certainly the case against Crewe on Tuesday evening, where the visitors struggled to break down a staunch Sunderland rearguard.

At the other end, the Black Cats created a plethora of chances – which left Gooch pleased.

“I thought we were brilliant tonight, going forward,” he said.

"Obviously at the back we kept a clean sheet, but we created plenty of chances and were unlucky that we didn’t take more. But at the end of the day it’s another big three points and a clean sheet.

Gooch contributed heavily to that attacking output against the Railwaymen, having been deployed as the Black Cats’ right wing-back after Luke O’Nien and Conor McLaughlin were forced to deputise in the centre of defence.

It was the latest position we have seen the American feature in this season, having already played on the left flank and in his more traditional role behind the striker.

And the 24-year-old says he’s comfortable playing wherever is required – having already been utilised in a number of areas during his time at the Stadium of Light.

“In the past few games, I’ve played four different positions and on other sides of the pitch as well.

"I’m fairly comfortable on both feet and I think most people recognise that, so I’m happy to play anywhere really.

"I’ve played nearly every position for the football club except centre half, so I can play anywhere really.

“Last season I played underneath the striker and really enjoyed that role and scored a lot of goals, but I can also play this position. I played it a bit under Jack Ross a few seasons ago at the start of that season, so I know I can play that position because I can get up and down and create things.

"At the moment that’s somewhere where the gaffer is wanting me to play and I’m just trying to do my best to help the team and put good balls in the box for the strikers.”

Sunderland will put their unbeaten record on the line once more when they welcome Portsmouth to the Stadium of Light on Sarurday.

While Pompey are starting to cobble together a strong run of form, Gooch says the focus for the Black Cats is on ticking off as many wins as they can during this hectic period.

And with confidence high in the Sunderland ranks, this busy run of fixtures will be welcomed – as it gives a chance to build-up some vital momentum.

"We just need to keep ticking these wins off,” said Gooch.

"We’ve got another big game against Pompey and we know how intense that game always is, so that’ll be a good game.

“When you’re winning you want to keep playing and keep that winning mentality and feeling. We’re all looking forward to Saturday.”

A message from the Football Clubs Editor:

Hi, our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative coverage of YOUR club every single day, home and away, 365 days a year.

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

You'll find all the details at sunderlandecho.com/subscriptions/sports.

Your support is much appreciated.

Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor