“Sunderland are better than last season,” says Tony Mowbray.
Although the season is just a few weeks old and Tony Mowbray will have no interest in keeping track of the standings, one Sunderland conclusion is already clear: last season was no fluke.
Although nobody on Wearside believed that to be the case, the Black Cats were a bit of a surprise in the second division last season, and it seemed impossible to capitalise on their success after Ross Stewart left and Amad returned to Manchester United.
Sunderland appear to be a solid bet to be in the promotion shake-up again this season, though, as is already abundantly evident.
And it’s difficult to contest manager Mowbray’s assurance when he stated on Wednesday night: “I think the team are better than last season.”
“I know Amad was an incredible individual player who could destroy teams, but I feel the positional play of the team is better this year,” said the player.
PURCHASE A MONTHLY SUBSCRIPTION TO THE NORTHERN ECHO FOR JUST £1 TO ACCESS ALL OF OUR SUNDERLAND COVERAGE
It’s a testament to Mowbray’s leadership that his team has handled the loss of Amad, who was particularly important last season, so well. Additionally, the players that stood up deserve praise. Jack Clarke, who led the Championship in assists last season, has risen to a new level rather than pouting after Premier League offers were turned down in the summer. The third goal he scored on Wednesday at Ewood Park with grace and composure revealed all about the former Leeds and Tottenham youngster’s present self-assurance. He is using a strut throughout his play.
As is Pierre Ekwah in the middle of the park. And Jobe Bellingham, wherever he’s asked to play. What a talent.
There’s the feel of a better balance to Sunderland this year. Last term they did rely heavily on Amad but this season the responsibility is more equally shared.
Of course, as is the case with the vast majority of teams in the Championship, Sunderland will need to be fortunate with injuries. Mowbray told on Wednesday night of his fear at losing Dan Ballard for a stretch of time and the same can be said for the likes of Ekwah, Neil and Clarke. But Mowbray has quality in depth. Their last three wins have come without Patrick Roberts in the starting XI.
READ MORE:
Sunderland’s ‘super talent’ angered then thrilled Tony Mowbray at Blackburn
Tony Mowbray’s key half-time message at Blackburn & delight at Sunderland
Sunderland’s ‘immense’ defender tops the ratings at Blackburn as forward also shines
There’s a maturity that belies the age and experience of Mowbray’s side. In the eye of the storm at Ewood Park and facing an onslaught from buoyant Blackburn in the early stages on Wednesday night, Sunderland managed to stay calm. Yes, they rode their luck at times but the Black Cats settled , grew into the game and clinically took their chances.
And as was the case with Amad last year, when Clarke is in this form, Sunderland are always a threat and always have a chance. He’s already scored almost half as many goals as he managed in the entirety of last season.
And there’s even more reason for encouragement. Chelsea loanee Mason Burstow will improve as he better gets to grips with what Mowbray wants from him. And Nazariy Rusyn is still to come in and further bolster the attacking ranks.
Mowbray laughed and put his head in his hands when the league table was mentioned to him in his press conference this week. He’s been around long enough to know the standings are of no significance at this stage. But come the end of the season, when the table does matter, Sunderland have the look of a team that will be right there in the mix.
