Sunderland are playing to Charlie Wyke's strengths says EFL pundit after Rochdale win

Former England and West Ham striker Dean Ashton says Sunderland are now playing to Charlie Wyke’s strengths by producing early crosses for the in-form frontman.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Wyke has scored 13 goals in his last 13 league games for the Black Cats and netted the second during a 2-0 win over Rochdale, heading home Jordan Jones’ cross.

Sunderland remained fourth in League One after the result but have won five of their last six matches in the third tier.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

When discussing the match and Dion Sanderson’s headed opener on the EFL’s highlights show on Quest, pundit Dean Ashton said: “Lee Johnson has brought back players of real importance, Aiden McGeady has been fantastic and it was his cross for Dion Sanderson to get the first. It was a lovely set-play and a great header.”

Sunderland striker Charlie Wyke.Sunderland striker Charlie Wyke.
Sunderland striker Charlie Wyke.

On Wyke’s goal, Ashton added: “I just think as a forward with Charlie Wyke you want the team to play in a way that suits you as a player so for him he needs early crosses.

“It’s a wonderful cross from Jordan Jones for him to just go and attack and head in.

“He’s in great form, 13 goals in 13 league games. It's great to have that as a centre-forward that the team is playing to your strengths.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The result leaves Sunderland five points off the automatic promotion places but Johnson’s side do have two games in hand on league leaders Hull City.

Next up for the Black Cats is an away trip to Portsmouth, who will be hoping to recover from a 4-1 defeat at Northampton.

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 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