Phil Smith's verdict: Sunderland supporters are right to expect better than this on the pitch - and meaningful change off it

Perhaps that is rather the point.

That the failings were all too familiar only magnifies the concerns they raise. There were elements of good play to begin with, but it was ultimately an uninspiring performance serving to heighten the unease amongst supporters.

With Sunderland struggling to convince on the pitch, and still locked in a state of stasis off it, the feeling in an era when football can only be watched through a screen is one of helplessness.

Sunderland’s position in the table remains relatively strong, with two crucial home games to be played at the Stadium of Light this week against opponents who have struggled badly for form this season.

A point against a promotion rival away from home is no major failing in isolation, and the same could have been said after the stalemate with Doncaster Rovers.

On both occasions, though, the shortcomings that Sunderland showed left their top-two credentials in doubt.

They had again enjoyed good control in terms of territory and possession during the first half.

Fleetwood Town had scored nine goals in their last two games but here they barely entered the final third. Remi Matthews’ only meaningful contribution was to make a comfortable stop from a speculative volley from Danny Andrew.

As he had done a week earlier, Parkinson was fairly able to point to a solid first 45.

Once again, though, it was fair to question whether Sunderland had done enough with the play they had enjoyed.

Parkinson had sprung a surprise with his team selection, opting to bring in another target man instead of a more natural replacement for Lynden Gooch.

The result was not easy on the eye but in the opening minutes of the game, the approach did yield some promise.

Fleetwood looked uncomfortable against the direct style and Wyke in particular looked a threat.

Jayson Leutwiler nevertheless had only one save of any real note to make, when Denver Hume’s low drive was blocked from just inside the box.

The hosts were increasingly comfortable in their defending and though Sunderland continued to be in the ascendancy, their attacking play was limited almost entirely to crosses into the box that were easily dealt with.

A response from Joey Barton’s side was inevitable, and yet again the response from the Black Cats was unconvincing.

It was good centre-forward play from Charlie Wyke to put his side ahead, bravely beating the goalkeeper after a clearance downfield from Tom Flanagan.

It was also one of Sunderland’s few efforts in a second half in which they again lost their momentum and were unable to retrieve it.

Fleetwood were not dominant, but they finished the game by far the stronger and the overriding impression was that Sunderland were happy to settle for a point.

Talented players such as Elliot Embleton and Jack Diamond were left unused, Sunderland’s performance fizzling out.

Afterwards, Parkinson raised eyebrows by questioning expectations that the Black Cats should be ‘three, four up in games’.

The salary cap, he said, has levelled the playing field and as a result, games are going to be tight.

It is true that Barton was able to call upon some serious quality and experience from his bench, but the point generally missed the mark.

The expectation is not that Sunderland will steamroll teams on a regular basis.

The expectation, without a doubt, is that the side will look to impose themselves on the opposition and when their opponents are in the ascendancy, to try and change the flow of the contest.

The salary cap has unquestionably levelled the playing field to an extent but Parkinson himself has said that the key for Sunderland this year will be the depth of their squad. In this recent run of poor results, it has not been utilised well enough.

The expectation is, undoubtedly, that Sunderland will win automatic promotion this season.

That is not unreasonable.

After all, the ownership began last season setting out a target to win 100 points. They have consistently talked up the size of the budget and removed a manager whose overall record was trending just below two-points-per-game.

That, they said, was because Sunderland should be a top-two side and this change was the way to do it.

Management and playing staff have previously said that automatic promotion has to be the target this season.

It is right, then, to point out that recent performances have not hit that level even if the general picture in terms of the table remains far from disastrous.

Their attacking play is short of where it needs to be, opposition goalkeepers not worked enough. It leaves the side vulnerable to a defensive lapse and they are being punished for that even in games where their own goalkeeper is often untested.

It is making for another underwhelming campaign and it is worth repeating yet again that the on-field performances are only one part of this and perhaps the smaller part of this.

Supporters continue to wait for news on a potential takeover, and whether this will lead to any meaningful change.

This is a club that remains in need of a long-term strategy, targeted investment and stability at boardroom level.

Only when that changes, and to be clear, this means a clear break from the Madrox regime and the leading figures in it, can a more exciting future be considered.

For now, supporters are left wondering when they can expect significant steps forwards when the current regime appear unwilling or unable to get to grips with the scale of change that is required.

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