Sunderland 1-1 Derby Six Things: the importance of subs

Grabban equalizes from the spot – bbc.co.uk

Sunderland and Derby kick-started the 17/18 Championship season with a 1-1 draw – but what are the key points from the game? Here’s our take…

Sunderland’s strong start

It was clear from the first minute, which saw James Vaughan battle for a free-kick off Curtis Davies, that this Sunderland team would be up for the fight. Aiden McGeady produced flashes of quality and combined on the left with Brendan Galloway to good effect, the latter’s work leading to a succession of early corners that put Derby on the back-foot. Right-midfielder George Honeyman, who added energy in defensive and attacking phases of play, went on a breakaway run that led to chances for McGeady and Lewis Grabban.

Derby stunned the hosts

Just when the Rams looked penned back, a wonderful Crossfield pass from Tom Huddlestone found Johnny Russell, who beat Galloway for pace down the right. His run led to a chaotic scramble during which saw the ball seemingly trickle through Lamine Kone’s legs, before Derby had a shot blocked and Bradley Johnson turned home at the near-post. Derby had used the ball poorly in the opening 10 minutes and this goal came very much against the run of play. They could have added a second nine minutes later though when the impressive Huddlestone’s drive stung Jason Steele’s palms and the goalkeeper was bailed out by a last-ditch challenge from Tyias Browning.

Sunderland’s pressing

Lee Cattermole and Didier Ndong spent a lot of time in their own half. To gain territory therefore, the Black Cats relied on Lewis Grabban’s relentless pressing and James Vaughan’s hold-up play. Both occasionally lost their individual battles to Curtis Davies and Richard Keogh respectively, but did enough to allow other players to pick up loose balls. Cattermole obliged on 25 minutes, his thunderous strike forcing a fine reflex save from Scott Carson. Sunderland were rewarded for their pressure late in the first half, when Grabban scored from the spot after Jacob Butterfield’s daft handball.

Grayson must use subs

Grabban and Vaughan harried well in the first half but their energy levels dipped later on, thus giving Derby’s midfielders and defenders more time on the ball. Simon Grayson deserves credit for re-organizing his shaken side, but his decision not to introduce a single substitute despite the fading fitness of his side must be questioned. If this does not show the Yorkshireman’s tactical limitations, it at least suggests that he does not trust those in reserve and wants to add to the squad before the window closes.

Vydra’s impact

While Sunderland could have been punished for not making a substitution, Gary Rowett was rewarded for a positive switch with an improvement. Matej Vydra replaced an ineffectual Butterfield and livened up the team’s play, aiding the link-up play with the once isolated Chris Martin, who fired over on the break. Another substitute, David Nugent, could have grabbed the winner at the death, but was smothered by Steele from close-range.

In summary

On balance, Sunderland perhaps edged the contest but failed to capitalize on their positive first half due to a lack of either depth, tactical flexibility or both. Derby did not exactly impress, but their late surge suggested they at least have the tools to change a game that is not going their way.