Sunderland v Portsmouth Q&A: Should Luke O'Nien have started in defence, what went wrong in 3-1 defeat and is team's performance a cause for concern?

In a new feature, we examine some of the key talking points from the game after taking questions from readers at the full-time whistle.

Sunderland have the chance to get back on track on Tuesday evening when they make the trip to face Rochdale.

The defeat at the Stadium of Light also brought an end to the impressive five-game run of League One clean sheets.

Luke O’Nien saw red late on for a second yellow after conceding a penalty and he will now sit out the Rochdale game, with Tom Flanagan, who again started on the bench, expected to come into the back three instead.

Conor McLaughlin was the only change from the side that beat Crewe with Jordan Willis taking his place in the back three.

Parkinson will now have to weigh up whether to make further changes, aside from replacing O’Nien, when they look to get back to winning ways on Tuesday evening.

Will Phil Parkinson regret starting Luke O’Nien in defence?

Hindsight is a wonderful thing isn’t it and - like any manager after a defeat – Phil Parkinson will be reflecting on his tactics and team selection, including playing Luke O’Nien again at centre-back, with Tom Flanagan on the bench.

Jordan Willis came back in but Parkinson kept faith with O’Nien and it’s worth remembering the Black Cats had recorded five straight League One shut-outs going into the game.

O’Nien didn’t enjoy the best of games but he wasn’t the only one. Far from it.

Now he’ll miss Rochdale through suspension, expect Flanagan to return and in all likelihood keep his place moving forward with O’Nien back at right-wing back when free from suspension.

Lynden Gooch was off the pace against Pompey.

Result just a blip or sign of things to come?

Social media was awash with negativity post-match, no surprise after a poor performance and result but Sunderland had enjoyed a very solid start to the season prior to Saturday.

This was the first defeat of the campaign and also brought an abrupt end to their impressive clean sheet run.

Concerns over whether Sunderland will have enough goals and a lack of pace and creativity in the final third remain but Parkinson will be hoping this was very much a one off in terms of a poor defensive display.

Pompey didn’t have to work too hard for their goals, Sunderland’s play in possession was poor throughout the side, too many mistakes, wrong decisions and players having off days.

They also didn’t work the Pompey keeper enough and the decision making was poor and build-up play too slow.

All that said, this is one defeat, no need to panic.

What went wrong in the first half?

Parkinson made just one change, Willis coming back into the defence in place of McLaughlin with unbeaten Sunderland having recorded five clean sheets on the bounce.

But the defence was all at sea in the first half, shipping two really sloppy goals, the second coming from a loose Grant Leadbitter pass and Pompey capitalised.

Sunderland’s intensity and closing down has been well documented this season with Parkinson’s side enjoying an unbeaten start but they couldn’t get control of the game, Pompey dominating the congested midfield.

Sunderland couldn’t get their passing game going, with Leadbitter unable to dictate play as he has done so brilliantly in recent weeks.

Lee Burge was called on to make a couple of routine saves but Sunderland had gifted Pompey two goals through sloppy defensive play.

It was self-inflicted and Sunderland were second best all over the pitch.

Second half started well enough but should changes have been made at the break?

No changes at the break but Sunderland produced a vastly improved performance in the opening 15 minutes of the second half, with far more intensity and pressure on the ball.

Sunderland were threatening but didn’t test the Pompey keeper enough and the visitors weathered the storm after the break.

That was Sunderland’s best spell but Pompey soon regained control and ran out deserved winners. Sunderland well off the pace. Hopefully, this is an off day.

They need to bounce back quickly away at Rochdale on Tuesday night.

Should we expect to see Will Grigg become more involved?

It was interesting to see Parkinson opt to bring on Grigg ahead of Danny Graham and Aiden O’Brien, who have both been ahead of him in the pecking order.

We know Swindon Town and MK Dons both tried to sign Grigg before deadline day but Sunderland didn’t want to let him go and his appearance from the bench shows he is still very much in Parkinson’s plans this season.

He saw a header go wide in the 77th minute, he would have been disappointed not to get that one on target.

Charlie Wyke scored again but a lack of goals from the striking unit as a whole remains a big concern if Sunderland are to push for – and maintain – a consistent promotion challenge this season.

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