What Sunderland's players did at full-time against Accrington Stanley and the data that poses a major concern

Thousands of Sunderland fans will have watched the draw with Accrington Stanley via live streams – but there are those few moments that the cameras don’t capture.
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We take a look at some of the moments you might have missed from the League One stalemate – from a classy thank you to a key piece of data that will concern Lee Johnson:

A CLASSY THANK YOU MESSAGE

The Foundation of Light were heavily represented at the Stadium of Light - in what was the annual fixture dedicated to the club's official charity partner.

What Sunderland's players did at full-time against Accrington Stanley and the data that poses a major concernWhat Sunderland's players did at full-time against Accrington Stanley and the data that poses a major concern
What Sunderland's players did at full-time against Accrington Stanley and the data that poses a major concern
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Players wore warm-up shirts emblazoned with the Foundation of Light logo during their preparations for the game, while there was also a classy thank you message to supporters who backed the #SunderlandTogether campaign on the reverse.

Sunderland's match shirts also featured a commemorative logo celebrating the charity's 20th year, and will be auctioned off to supporters.

The match day programme also paid tribute to the fantastic work done at the Beacon of Light and beyond - especially during what has been a difficult twelve months.

THE UNDER-23 MAN STILL UNDER CONSIDERATION

Sunderland were once again forced to go with a makeshift defence against Accrington - and at times that certainly showed.

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Johnson, though, remains to keep a close eye on Oliver Younger.

The under-23 defender was hailed by the Sunderland boss in his press conference this week, although Johnson did concede that he felt Younger looked most suited a place in a back three.

But he is clearly a player who remains under consideration for first-team involvement, and that was emphasised by the fact he warmed-up with the squad prior to the Accrington game - despite narrowly missing out on a place on the bench.

He's one to watch in the coming weeks as it would be no surprise if he returns to match day squads in the coming weeks.

A SMALL RETURN TO NORMALITY

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There was one slight return to normality at the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon - as the Directors' Box was in use for the first time this season.

Home and away directors have been sat in the lower tier of the stands during previous months, watching the action from just behind the dugouts.

But as we move ever-closer to the return of fans, the club officials returned to their usual spot at the front of the Premier Concourse for the Accrington game.

Kristjaan Speakman and Steve Davison were in the Directors' Box from a Sunderland perspective.

A BIG MILESTONE HIT

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Charlie Wyke's quick-fire brace in the first half saw him hit an important milestone - as he racked-up his 30th goal of the season in all competitions.

It's the first time that the man himself has netted that many goals in a senior campaign, and is the first time a Sunderland player has hit the landmark for over two decades.

Indeed, the last player to net 30 goals in a single season on Wearside was Kevin Phillips back in the 1999/2000 campaign.

And before him, the last name to hit that milestone was one Brian Clough in the 1961/62 season.

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Illustrious company for the current Sunderland striker, who has enjoyed a superb campaign.

A KEY PIECE OF DIRTY WORK

Wyke's early header from Lynden Gooch's cross was a dream start for the Black Cats, and was a goal of real quality - from Gooch's perfectly weighted delivery to Wyke's steered header.

But it owed a lot to the less glamorous - but no less vital - work that came from Carl Winchester in the middle.

The January signing showed excellent tenacity to press high and win back possession, before then spreading the play out to Gooch out on the right flank.

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It was piece of work that may have gone unnoticed, but undoubtedly played a big part in the opening goal.

THE QUICK START NOT BUILT UPON

Sunderland's quick start looked set to be key for the hosts - and that has been something of a recurring theme this term.

Think back to some of the Black Cats' better performances this season and they have usually began with an early goal (or two, in the case of the clash with Stanley).

And it's interesting to note that no side in League One have scored more goals in the opening 15 minutes of games this season than Sunderland.

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The Black Cats have scored 15 times during that period in their league fixtures this season, which is the joint highest alongside Plymouth Argyle.

Similarly fast starts in their remaining three League One fixtures would undoubtedly be welcomed.

A CONCERNING STATISTIC FOR LEE JOHNSON

Sunderland’s six-game winless run has come at the wrong time – and has seen the side drop to the bottom three of the League One form table.

Indeed, no team has gained fewer points over the last six games than the Black Cats.

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The Wearsiders have picked-up just three points from their last six outings, a tally only equaled by Doncaster Rovers and struggling Swindon Town.

That will no doubt be a major concern for Johnson, particularly with the prospect of a play-off campaign on the horizon.

The visit of Blackpool presents an opportunity to bounce back. But that is easier said than done.

THE FULL-TIME REACTION

As Darren Drysdale blew the final whistle, Sunderland's body language said it all.

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Denver Hume sunk to the turf, while other players needed an arm around the shoulder from the coaching staff.

Their facial expressions painted a clear picture of frustration and they quickly left the field for the post-match debrief.

Whatever thin hopes remained of securing a place in the top two were extinguished – but now the players must bounce back quickly to ensure they enter the play-offs with some momentum behind them.

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.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor

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