What were the positives and negatives from Sunderland's draw at Millwall?
Today at 01:58 AM
Aaron Connolly's first half strike was cancelled out by Femi Azeez as the points were shared at The Den. What did our writers make of the game?
Anthony Gair says…
Aaron Connolly's breakthrough
Sunderland fans have been waiting to see Connolly make his mark, and the Irishman delivered in style at The Den.
His clinical tenth-minute volley not only demonstrated his quality but also gave Sunderland the perfect start in a hostile environment.
Connolly's first goal for the club was a moment of real class that could signal a turning point for his confidence and contribution in the weeks ahead.
Dan Neil excels
Once again, Neil proved why he's so pivotal to this Sunderland side.
In a game where the Black Cats were often under pressure, Neil's calmness in possession and ability to pick out a pass gave us the foothold we needed, particularly in the first half.
While Millwall's physicality grew as the game went on, Neil's intelligence and composure in midfield stood out as a key reason why we were able to keep our shape for so long under sustained pressure.
Régis Le Bris' game management
As Neil Harris threw caution to the wind with attacking substitutions that eventually paid off, Régis Le Bris was far too reactive in his approach.
As Millwall's pressure grew, we struggled to regain control of the game, with Le Bris reluctant to make changes that could've steadied the midfield or added fresh legs to alleviate the relentless onslaught.
His lack of decisiveness on the touchline played a part in a fourth consecutive draw and will leave fans questioning his in-game decision-making
Missed opportunities
We created several promising situations in the first half to extend their lead but failed to make them count.
Against a direct and determined Millwall side, a second goal might've killed the game before the hosts' late resurgence.
For a team aiming to cement their place at the top of the table, turning these half-chances into goals will be crucial.
Calum Mills says…
Ballard is back!
Josh Maja's return to the Stadium of Light and Dan Ballard back in form- game over?
Ballard is the new wind-up merchant against horrible teams such as West Brom or QPR, and absolutely loves getting under their skin.
He was immense against Millwall alongside Chris Mepham and I truly wouldn't change the back four for Tuesday, as the Millwall goal was scored through poor finishing, in my opinion.
Eliezer Mayenda impresses
My surprise addition is to say that Mayenda may have found a home on the right wing with Wilson Isidor up top. He doesn't have the pace of Patrick Roberts but he can drop a shoulder just as well and drive forward in a much better fashion.
His size and direct nature caused their left back problems all game, which was good to see, because Roberts has become too predictable.
Does Mayenda stay in ahead of Roberts? Yes. I'd like to see him get a run of games because before his injury, he was in good form.
Roberts has been very hit and miss, so why not give Mayenda a rightful period in the starting eleven?
Issues when defending a lead
Why can't we seem to defend a lead without crumbling?
In two successive games, we've had clear control, only be bullied and pegged back.
It's all well and good showing our ability going forward and being fundamentally sound, but when the ball comes back at us, we just seem to panic.
Some questionable substitutions
For the best part of thirty minutes and when an injury forces us into a change, we just start taking on water, and try as he might, Milan Aleksić wasn't the tactical or practical change we needed.
We may have paid mega money for an up and coming player, but deep in the trenches at 1-0 up away to Millwall, I'd have brought on Adil Aouchiche, as he's had lot more playing time than Aleksić.
We've seen Aouchiche finish penalties with ease and also create chances for seasoned finishers to bury, so why bring an untested teenager on?
John Wilson says…
Another gritty showing
Yet again, Sunderland showed grit, determination and togetherness as they battled for a difficult point at The Den.
I for one would've taken a draw if it was offered to me at the start of the game. I think we're now unbeaten in eight and still top, but we need another win soon.
New players blooded
Some of the 'fringe' players not only got minutes, but minutes in a full-blooded, 'backs to the wall' second half.
That sort of experience can't be replicated on the training pitch, so it was valuable for Tommy Watson and Milan Aleksić especially- and proving he isn't a cardboard cutout on the bench!
A game of three halves
I'm not sure how much the long delay hindered the Lads, but of course it's the same for both teams.
However, yet again, we didn't go for the jugular when we were on top. We seem to either start slowly or if not, drop back after taking a lead.
It's psychological, and we need to become more ruthless when we're on top.
More injury concerns?
Nobody knows what the new injury list will look like, but Aaron Connolly is now a worry, and Aji Alese and Dan Ballard both took heavy knocks.
Hopefully there are no new additions to the walking wounded list. A win on Tuesday would calm some nerves.
