Phil Smith's verdict: Breaking down Sunderland's latest step forward and what it told us about Phil Parkinson's side

Sunderland were running down the clock and some space had opened up for the 25-year-old.

Out he surged, ball at feet, going and going before the inevitable foul was made. Game over, job done.

It was a notable moment because it reflected much of what is good about this Sunderland side at the moment.

One, the remarkable versatility and intelligence of a player who has taken on an entirely new role and made it is own. Superb in the air, strong 1v1 in defence and with a good sense of when to join the attack and when to sit in.

Two, the strength of Sunderland's defensive structure and organisation.

This was another game in which a reshuffled backline produced a controlled performance that gave little up to the opposition.

Sunderland have a clear identity, reflected in the fact that their performances are consistent in style and end result regardless of who is wearing the shirt.

How it played out

It was, it must be said, an odd game in which Crewe Alexandra were left grateful that to only lose by one, and also frustrated that they did not make more of some promising openings.

Without a doubt, the Black Cats were a dominant force in this game and yet there were moments when they were almost opened up.

David Artell's side were fascinating to watch, in that sense.

They came with a refreshing desire and intent to play and attack. In the opening moments they looked lively, with Mikael Mandron linking up play well and creating space for his team-mates.

In the second half it was the same, a bright start in which they could have got themselves into the game but for the odd run made too early, and the odd pass played at the wrong time.

It was more evidence that to have any hope of making an impression against this Sunderland side, you have to have the bravery to play through the lines and take risks against the press.

In both halves, though, that threat gave way as the Black Cats took control.

As Artell noted, too often they ended up playing the ball straight back to the home side, who were able to quickly launch anohter attack.

This, in a nutshell, is Sunderland's threat at the moment. Their pressing is wearing teams down, locking them in the opposition half and forcing errors.

The key goal here was a prime example of that, Ryan Wintle with a tired attempt to clear a cross that ended up in his own net after fifteen minutes of almost relentless pressure.

That work ethic runs right through the team, underlined when Steve Parkin noted the work of Chris Maguire in his post-match remarks.

"We all know Chrissy is a technical player and a dangerous player, but the one thing we have reiterated to him from day one is that it’s alright having all the ability in the world, but you’ve got to run as well," he said.

"To be fair to him, he’s done that. His running stats are always right up there, and he’s put in another solid, hard-working performance for the team tonight.

"Maybe he didn’t quite get his just rewards in front of goal – he snapped one past the post in the first half – but in general, his performances have been very good."

Yet again, Lee Burge went through the game virtually untested.

There was just one shot on target from Crewe, a weak header comfortably claimed. It is now 488 league minutes since they last conceded a goal, and Burge has had only nine saves to make in that time.

A niggling concern and what lies behind it

If there were any niggling reservations after the win, then it would be that lack of ruthlessness in front of goal.

Parkin admitted there was a sense of disappointment in the dressing room in that regard, creating those slightly tense (but ultimately well managed) final minutes when the game should have long been settled.

This did, though, feel a little different to previous games where Sunderland have failed to put teams to the sword.

For one, as Parkin alluded too, that Maguire was unable to turn a number of good opportunities into a goal felt like an aberration rather than an issue, given the composure in front of goal that he has shown over a long period of time.

Will Jaaskelainen, son of former Bolton Wanderers stopper Jussi, also produced some very good stops when the Black Cats had done little wrong.

Most notably, Charlie Wyke backed up a good performance on Saturday with another strong showing.

It is stretching credibility to award him the winning goal, but his good run into the box certainly forced the error from the Crewe defence.

That was typical of a display in which he won unexpected headers, pressed relentlessly and brought Sunderland's midfielders into the game in dangerous areas.

This is the Wyke we have not seen enough of, when his all-round contribution means that a modest goal return feels like significantly less of an issue.

For Parkin, the performance reflected growing confidence and real competition for places.

"He gives you a starting point on the pitch," Parkin said.

"He won no end of headers last night and his hold up play was good.

"He's got good vision and he's got a bit of confidence now.

"He knows full well he's got three good players breathing down his neck, which is exactly what he want."

Artell said that Sunderland were the best team Crewe had faced this season, no minor compliment when they have faced a number of highly-fancied teams.

Portsmouth on Saturday will pose a formidable test, and perhaps serve as a litmus test for this formula that is producing impressive results, certainly in defence, for Phil Parkinson and his side.

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