The concerning trend that Sunderland must halt if they are to push towards promotion

Even now, in their third season in League One, Sunderland remain a scalp. The cheers, hugs and high-fives from the MK Dons bench made that much clear.

However cliched it may sound, the trip to the Stadium of Light is a cup final for many clubs in the third tier – regardless of whether the game is played in front of an empty house or not.

And in games of that nature, the last thing the Black Cats would want to do is to give their opponents a leg-up.

A quick start is needed. A dominant first-half performance can put teams to bed and allow Sunderland to establish their dominance.

But so far this term, that hasn’t happened.

A concerning trend is developing, with Sunderland’s slow starts ultimately making their task far harder than it should be. Indeed, the data shows that there is much work for the Black Cats to do when it comes to their first-half performances.

Across all their homes games in League One this term, Sunderland have scored just four goals in the first-half – while conceding five during the same period.

And perhaps more worryingly, only once this season have the Black Cats led at the break at the Stadium of Light. That was against Crewe, where the goal came with practically the last kick of the half.

Much of the first-half struggles could be attributed to the attitudes of the visiting sides, who tend to push and press high for the early stages of the opening period before progressively dropping further and further back.

But it’s those early spells of pressure that Sunderland aren’t dealing with.

They have conceded twice in the opening 15 minutes of games this season, three times between the 15th and 30th minutes of games and twice in the final 15 minues of the first half.

In contrast, Sunderland have only shipped two second half goals all term.

That makes it clear that, defensively at least, improvements in the early stages of fixtures are required.

It was certainly the case against MK Dons where the Black Cats didn’t fully deal with the likes of Cameron Jerome, Scott Fraser and Stephen Walker in what was an impressive first-half from Russell Martin’s side.

They got the goal their play deserved and, as we’ve seen countless times before, it changed the dynamic of the game.

With visiting teams given something to defend – and they tend to do just that – it means the Black Cats have to play their way through and carve open what tend to be stubborn defences.

That in itself has proven a challenge this term.

They did it well at times against MK Dons, albeit the finishing touch was lacking.

But when those chances aren’t being converted, it places even greater emphasis on ensuring the opposition aren’t given any form of advantage – no matter how slender.

And for that reason, Sunderland will have to ensure they are quicker off the blocks in the coming weeks.

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