Tactics, target men and team selection: Our Sunderland writers assess the big talking points from the opening weeks of the season

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As we pause for this international weekend, it’s an ideal opportunity to take stock of Sunderland’s start to the season.

And our writers, Richard Mennear and Mark Donnelly, have cast their eye over the big talking points from the early fixtures:

Who's been Sunderland's star performer so far?

Our writers discuss the key talking points from Sunderland's start to the season

RM: “Bailey Wright.

“He showed his class during a short loan stint last season before injury and the Covid-19 pandemic halted the season so it was always going to be an important piece of business to get him signed on a permanent deal.

“A class act at the heart of a defence which has started the season well, they look well-drilled and organised and Wright is at the heart of it.

“A natural leader. Provided he stays fit then he will be an integral part of what everybody hopes will be a successful promotion campaign this season.”

MD: “It was a choice of two for me – one of which was Bailey Wright.

"But the other majorly impressive member of the squad in the early weeks of the campaign has been Denver Hume.

"The full-back came in for criticism at times last season but is now providing both a dynamic attacking outlet and a calm defensive presence. His goal against Carlisle on Tuesday evening was just rewards for a start to the season which has seen the academy graduate pop up in and around the box on plenty of occasions.

“His end product is improving too, and you hope there is plenty more to come from the wing-back in the coming weeks.”

Who has work to do?

RM: "The strikers. Fair to say they have not hit the ground running this season, in fairness, partly because Phil Parkinson has opted to rotate them so they have been unable to strike up a regular partnership,

"Danny Graham, Will Grigg and Charlie Wyke all have work to do. Graham looks to be Parkinson's preferred option to lead the attack but Sunderland will need to become a more consistent goal threat if they are to win promotion this season.”

MD: “It’s hard to say anything other than Sunderland’s forward players, isn’t it?

“All have shown flashes of what they could bring to Sunderland, but the operative word in that sentence is ‘could’. As of yet, nobody has taken the mantle and established themselves as Sunderland’s first choice striker.

“None of the trio have hit the target in the league as of yet, and that’s a record that has to change quickly.

"Aiden O’Brien is another who will be disappointed with his lack of a goal return, although he has otherwise been bright in his appearances since his summer arrival.

"I’d put Lynden Gooch into this category too. He impressed off the bench at Oxford but needs to start replicating those performances on a more regular basis. If he can, then he could prove a key cog moving forward.”

What do you make of Phil Parkinson's start to the season? Has he got his tactics right?

RM: “The Bristol Rovers draw was a disappointing start to the new season, the early error from Lee Burge not helping matters but you can't argue too much with Sunderland's form since.

“The players appear comfortable in the new system and defensively they are solid, creating chances going forward, Sunderland have just lacked that cutting edge in front of goal.

“So far 7/10 for Parkinson, plenty to improve upon but plenty of promise too for the season ahead.”

MD: “It’s hard to argue that Phil Parkinson has got much wrong tactically.

“Defensively, Sunderland are among the strongest teams in the third tier and they are creating plenty of chances for their forward players. Indeed, the Black Cats’ limited goal return is in stark contrast to the data – in which they are one of the most creative teams in the final third.

“The problem is sticking the ball in the back of the net – and that’s a problem which can rarely be blamed on tactics.

“As long as the side keep creating, I don’t see too much reason to be concerned. But if we’re having this conversation a few months down the line, with Sunderland still struggling to score, that will naturally change.”

Is eight points from four league games a good return for Sunderland?

RM: “It's a good start when you consider the level of opposition so far, Oxford and Charlton away and Peterborough United at home, all of those teams you would expect to be in and around the promotion/play-off picture come the end of the season.

"Sunderland can be satisfied with the start heading into the international break.

“They need to ensure they add those two further signings though before the deadline, cover and competition at left-back an absolute must and they need another attacking option, with pace.

“Benji Kimpioka signing a new deal adds another element once he is fully up-to-speed.”

MD: “I think Sunderland can be happy enough with that start to the season.

“As players and staff have alluded to, an average of two points per game will be enough to seal promotion - so in that respect, it’s an encouraging start.

"It could have been more. Sunderland had enough chances to beat both Bristol Rovers and Charlton Athletic but, given the start to the season the Black Cats faced, I don’t think eight points is a disappointing return.

"The key now is building on that and ensuring this momentum continues after the international break.”

After the first seven games, what do you think is Sunderland's best starting line-up?

RM: Burge: O'Nien, Willis, Wright, Flanagan, Hume, Leadbitter, Scowen, Maguire, Gooch, Graham

MD: Burge; Willis, Wright, Flanagan; O’Nien, Power, Leadbitter, Hume; Maguire, O’Brien, Graham

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