'Moving in the right direction...': The inside track on Sunderland takeover talks - and what next for Phil Parkinson

So our writers Richard Mennear (RM) and Mark Donnelly (MD) have been answering some of your questions, which were submitted to us on social media and via our WhatsApp service...

Do you think teams have worked us out and from that we're now only managing a handful of shots on target per match?

MD: I think it’s certainly true to an extent that teams have worked out how to get results against Sunderland.

It’s long been said that the Black Cats’ defence struggle against a pacy and direct frontline and that was certainly the case against MK Dons were at times, particularly in the first half, the likes of Stephen Walker and Scott Fraser had a lot of joy when carrying the ball.

And at the other end, teams have certainly recognised that if they play in a disciplined manner and put players behind the ball then Sunderland can struggle to break them down.

I wouldn’t say that was entirely the case against MK Dons on Saturday, with Sunderland having some real chances to pull level - most notably that Will Grigg miss.

But it is certainly a concern that the Black Cats aren’t mustering a great deal of shots on target, especially when they tend to get into promising areas and create some good opportunities.

The onus now needs to be on breaking down these stubborn defences.

Whether that’s through a tactical reshuffle or a more distinct Plan B, Sunderland need to find a way through their resolute opponents.

Will takeover go through this time and will there be a different manager in place?

MD: To address the first point, the bid from Juan Sartori and Kyril Louis-Dreyfus is certainly moving in the right direction. The wheels have been in motion on this one for a number of months and sources indicated to us in the last fortnight that were Stewart Donald to sell his stake in the club (or a chunk of it), that Sartori and another party would be the likeliest buyers.

But while talks are at a fairly advanced stage, nothing is done yet.

There are still a number of hurdles to overcome, including the EFL Owner’s and Directors Test.

We’ve been here before, more than once, so caution is the best approach at this point.

It’s also understood that there are other groups waiting in the wings.

There were reports in national titles about an American investor keen on a deal, and we understand there is at least one other party keen to strike a deal with Donald - who were shown around the Academy of Light and Stadium of Light over the summer.

But for now, it’s Sartori and Louis-Dreyfus in pole position to get a deal done.

And if (and it’s still if, at this point) the deal gets done, there will be a lot of eyes on what it means for the man in the dugout.

For now, I can’t see Sunderland making a managerial change. The Black Cats’ points-per-game average remains close to the target of 2 points per game that was set at the start of the season, although there will undoubtedly be a realisation that should that average dip considerably then difficult conversations may have to be had (that much is true at any club, not just Sunderland).

It will be interesting what changes Sartori and Louis-Dreyfus decide to make, and the talk of a Sporting Director being appointed is interesting and could suggest some behind the scenes changes.

But for now, their intentions when it comes to the manager remain unclear. So Parkinson, as he has done throughout the takeover speculation, will crack on with the job at hand.

RM: With fresh takeover talk swirling around the Stadium of Light and this deal seemingly a long way down the track, Parkinson couldn’t have picked a worse week to lose to Mansfield Town and MK Dons on home soil.

The former Bolton boss is experienced enough to know that with takeovers, very often follows a managerial change.

The fact Juan Sartori is heavily involved would bring him some comfort for a prolonged stab at the job but he will also be fully aware that the only way he can cement his position - as is the case for any manager - is to win football matches.

Sunderland need to get their season back on track with victory at Doncaster Rovers and go on a long and sustained unbeaten run, is this team and squad capable of it under Parkinson?

That will be one of the main questions any potential new owner must face first, with promotion this season a must.

What is wrong with Will Grigg?

MD: I’ve been a real advocate of Will Grigg this season and genuinely felt he could add something to this side - especially given his performances in pre-season and in that Carabao Cup against Hull City, where he was a real outlet up top.

But I think it’s fair to say he hasn’t taken the opportunities given to him over the last week.

He was scarcely involved against Mansfield Town and barely got a sniff in and around the area in what was an underwhelming performance from the whole side, it must be said.

And the striker was similarly disappointing against MK Dons on Saturday.

Questions can be asked as to whether Sunderland’s style of play really suits the striker, and they are valid concerns to raise.

You could also question whether Grigg would be at his sharpest given that, between the Bristol Rovers game on the opening day of the season and the visit of MK Dons, he played just 45 minutes of league football.

But even so, a striker of his calibre should be burying that chance in the second half.

Is it a confidence thing? Perhaps, and you do feel that Grigg just needs a goal at this point - no matter how it comes.

For now, though, he may have to wait for another chance to deliver that as Phil Parkinson continues to mull over how to get the best out of his attacking options.

RM: That miss was glaring and rather summed up his time on Wearside.

Fans have long wondered whether he would ever be a success at Sunderland and the evidence continues to show that is unlikely.

Confidence is clearly an issue, hardly surprising given his lack of goals, games and standard of performance but the way Sunderland play doesn’t always get the best out of him either.

If Sunderland are to win promotion this season then they will need him firing and the evidence so far has many questioning whether either of those will become a reality.

Do we need to change the system and way PP insists on playing?

MD: I think on the whole, the system has served Sunderland fairly well during Phil Parkinson’s reign.

For the most part, the Black Cats have looked defensively solid and have created a large number of chances - reflected in their xG and xGA stats, which are among the best in the division.

I wouldn’t expect Parkinson to change his tactics imminently, but we may see some more tweaks to the system (as we have done in certain games this season, where he’s switched between playing two strikers and two more attack-minded midfielders).

And I’m sure I’m not alone in feeling that Sunderland need more of a Plan B at times, for when the system isn’t working as well as it usually does.

Where is the incentive for players like Embleton to stay at the club when they can’t even get on the bench in a team this bad?

MD: On Embleton, I think it was always the plan for him to sit out the MK Dons game given he hadn’t played a full 90 minutes in 14 months prior to the game at Fleetwood Town on Tuesday.

But I think there is a general disappointment that more young players haven’t been given an opportunity this season.

In league games, we’ve seen only fleeting glimpses of Jack Diamond while Dan Neil has largely been restricted to cup outings.

I’d expect Embleton to feature more in the first team in the coming weeks, provided he can stay fit.

RM: Sunderland, aside from in defence, have remained largely injury and Covid-19 free so far this term which means Parkinson has a lot of players to try and keep happy.

He has found it hard to include younger players on the bench as a result but when fans are told one of the reasons Aiden McGeady isn’t involved is to give the next generation a chance then that will continue to be a stick in which to beat the Sunderland boss.

Clearly Embleton has had his injury problems but he is one youngster fans want to see more of and unless results improve then Parkinson will have to alter his selection and system plans.

Are the club giving any thought to Parkinson’s position? Has the same points total as when Ross was sacked and after three defeats in a week and dismal performances, there must be “underlying data” suggesting we are not serious promotion contenders again this year?

MD: As I touched on above, I don’t think a change in manager is imminent.

Sunderland’s stats when it comes to chances created and chances conceded - regardless of Saturday’s results - remain among the best in the division and their points-per-game is close to the target of two per game that Parkinson targeted.

As long as that remains the case, I can’t see a change coming.

RM: There has been nothing to suggest that Parkinson’s position is under threat at the moment.

That said, as we’ve touched on above, he will know he needs more positive results soon and has to string together a winning/unbeaten run to regain momentum.

The takeover issue is a factor he doesn’t have any control over but no doubt it will be at the back of his mind.

The start to this season and last - under Jack Ross - are very similar, the difference at the moment is the club is close to a sale and any change in the dugout would be highly unlikely at the moment.

We have all learned, however, not to be surprised by anything at the Stadium of Light anymore.

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 SAFC 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