Stephen Elliott: These two Phil Parkinson mistakes cost dismal Sunderland against MK Dons as pressure grows

We all bemoan the games we often miss for international call-ups, but a weekend off would have definitely been more enjoyable for the manager, and for us.

Sunderland fell to their second league defeat of the season, and their third on the bounce in all competitions, against MK Dons at the Stadium of light on Saturday.

With Tom Flanagan and Conor McLaughlin away on international duty, the manager decided to go with Luke O’Nien in a back three instead of playing recognised centre-back Dion Sanderson.

With O’Nien filling in again at the back it was left to the other utility man, Lynden Gooch, to occupy the right wing-back slot once more.

I’m sure Lynden won’t thank me for calling him a utility player and I doubt he wants to be one, but this is where he is under Phil Parkinson.

These two decisions were both huge mistakes from the manager, in my opinion, and he must recognise neither worked.

For me, both players in question need to be higher up the pitch and in offensive areas. They are two of the few players in the squad who can actually make things happen with their energy and directness in the final third.

Continuing the attacking discussion, it was interesting to see Will Grigg start a league game for only the second time this season.

Barring the opening 15 minutes, where he seemed to have the bit between his teeth, he had an afternoon that we have come accustomed to seeing from him in a Sunderland shirt.

He again missed a couple of chances that he would have probably stuck away had he been playing for one of his previous teams.

It’s getting to the stage where you feel it just isn’t the right fit for him at this football club. I felt for him on Saturday, as you could tell he was really trying out there.

So what else went wrong?

As previously discussed, Grant Leadbitter is a class above at this level, however he needs legs and energy round him in the middle of the pitch and that is something that this Sunderland midfield just don’t have, or are not showing at the moment if they do.

MK Dons were the better team on Saturday and were good value for their victory.

They overran the Sunderland team in important areas of the pitch and the back three could not contain veteran striker Cameron Jerome at any point during the game. It was the first time that I felt Bailey Wright really struggled this season and, along with Jordan Willis, will not want to dwell on this game.

If Sunderland are to have a chance of going up this year, every player needs to find much more than what we saw on Saturday.

Whether that comes from within, or from the management staff, it will be required quickly as that performance on Saturday was not simply good enough for the red and white shirt of Sunderland.

With a trip to Doncaster Rovers next it doesn’t get any easier, though.

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