‘Made a difference’: BBC pundit names the one ‘strange’ factor behind Sunderland’s recent form

Former Sunderland striker and BBC pundit Marco Gabbiadini has identified two reasons for the Black Cats’ recent form surge.

Sunderland is in a respectable shape as they wrap up a very inconsistent 2023–24 campaign.

The Black Cats won 1-0 away at West Brom over the weekend thanks to a well-taken goal by Pierre Ekwah, and they have now only lost one of their previous six games.

Prior to that, Sunderland had just established a great defensive record under Mike Dodds’ direction, as they played to a scoreless tie with Leeds United.

Sunderland has already played six games with five clean sheets.

Mike Dodds modifies Formation of Sunderland

Sunderland has been using a back-five lineup in a 5-2-2-1 system for the past few games.

This is a departure from Tony Mowbray’s typical 4-2-3-1 lineup from earlier in the season.

However, a shift in composition was undoubtedly necessary, and it appears like Dodds is gradually bringing the best out of this Sunderland team, who now sit in 13th place in the Championship standings.

Regarding the recent improvement in performance, Gabbiadini identified two crucial elements, stating on Total Sport:

We currently have an out ball, which is a funny way to put it, but I believe the center-forwards made a difference. In fact, we have someone to pass the ball to, and there’s a strong probability that he will act upon it and be in a position to accept it.

Furthermore, Gabbiadini said:

“Their formation has also changed a little bit.”

New position for Jobe Bellingham under Mike Dodds

Since Sunderland’s return to the Championship in 2022, there has been competition for the number. 9 spot.

However, Jobe Bellingham has started as the lone striker in the previous several games, and he’s been a significant improvement over players like Luis Hemir.

Particularly Hemir was being criticised for having low work-rate and energy at the top, while Bellingham exhibits high levels of activity.

Bellingham, as Gabbiadini points out, provides Sunderland with a respectable out ball when they need it since they know Bellingham will put in the yardage and provide a little something extra.

This season, the 18-year-old has scored seven goals in 42 Championship games.

Sunderland’s new manager will require Mike Dodds’ experience
In his third stint as acting boss, Dodds has not had an easy ride.

However, he appears to be staying with the team for the upcoming campaign and is gradually winning over these players. As such, he will be a major asset to the management team when Sunderland takes over.

Dodds is likely the most familiar with these guys in the club at the moment.

And with this shift in shape and adjustments like moving Bellingham up front working so well, he’s also showcasing a terrific tactical aspect to his coaching resume.

With Timothee Pembele and Callum Styles both advancing wing-backs, Sunderland has undoubtedly improved their defensive capabilities as a result of their new formation. The Black Cats are also playing more aggressively going forward.

With three games remaining, Sunderland will host Millwall on Saturday.

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