Sunderland's Tactical Success in the Premier League
If Sunderland defeats Everton on Monday, they will rise from seventh to second place in the Premier League, trailing leaders Arsenal by five points.
With ten matches completed, the league standings are drawing increased attention. At the season's outset, few analysts would have predicted the Black Cats would be contending for Champions League positions.
So, what strategies have the unassuming Regis Le Bris and his revamped Sunderland squad employed to become this season's surprise package? In this analysis, we will explore their tactics both in and out of possession.
Out of Possession
Le Bris' tactical versatility is evident in Sunderland's defensive play this season. While they have proven difficult to break down, their defensive strength does not solely rely on a deep defensive stance.
Sunderland typically initiates play with an aggressive approach. Le Bris encourages his players to press high up the pitch, often employing a man-to-man marking strategy, which they have executed impressively.
Newly promoted teams often hesitate to adopt such a strategy due to the risks involved, as a miscalculation can leave them vulnerable. However, Sunderland's decision to embrace this high-pressing style following their promotion has proven to be a bold yet rewarding choice.
In their 2-1 victory against Chelsea on October 25, their high press effectively forced Chelsea into retreat. By directing the play towards Chelsea's left side—where they lacked a left-footed central defender—Sunderland significantly disrupted their opponents' build-up play.
Sunderland applies this high press during goal-kicks and exhibits a collective willingness to press as a unit, often responding to back passes with coordinated pressure.
When opponents manage to bypass this initial pressure, Sunderland adopts a predominantly zonal defensive approach, typically organizing in a 4-4-2 formation. Against teams like Chelsea and Manchester United, they have effectively utilized a back five to block space and adapt to varying game situations.
Their deeper defensive setup is robust, allowing the same eleven players to execute both pressing and deep defending strategies at a high level, which creates numerous challenges for opposing teams. Even in this deeper shape, Sunderland's players apply pressure on nearby opponents, limiting their time on the ball.
In instances where the ball enters the penalty area, Sunderland's central defenders have demonstrated their prowess in one-on-one duels. Goalkeeper Robin Roefs has also excelled this season, preventing more goals than any other keeper in the league. According to expected goals (xG) metrics, most goalkeepers would have conceded three more goals than Roefs based on the shots he has faced.
In Possession
When in possession, Le Bris predominantly favors a positional style of play, with a focus on occupying specific zones on the pitch. While players may rotate between these zones, there is generally a consistent presence in each area.
Sunderland often initiates play from the back, leveraging the skill of their defenders and midfielders to progress up the pitch. They typically spread their back four wide, with the goalkeeper positioned between the central defenders, while Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki make deep runs to receive the ball from central midfield.
However, they are not hesitant to play long balls, frequently targeting Wilson Isidor, particularly against strong opposition presses or when holding a lead.
Once Sunderland establishes possession, they aim to dismantle opposing defenses. Their central midfielders can drop back into the defensive line to gain time and space on the ball, effectively utilizing their skill sets.
With more time to dictate play, Xhaka often delivers precise switches to the wingers, creating one-on-one opportunities. Notably, center-back Omar Alderete, who previously played for Getafe, has been recognized as one of the most incisive passers among central defenders, ranking first in the percentage of recoveries turned into progressive passes.
Alderete's proactive approach in possession has significantly contributed to Sunderland's attacking progression this season. His ability to feign passes in one direction before delivering the ball at a different angle has made him one of the standout players for the club.
In the final third, Sunderland focuses on creating crossing opportunities from wide areas. The full-backs play a crucial role, whether by overlapping wingers, delivering crosses, or underlapping to support the wingers.
Xhaka smartly positions himself on the flank alongside the full-back and winger, often ready to deliver first-time crosses following a lay-off. These triangular formations ensure Sunderland poses a significant threat from the wings, with rotations among players making their attacks less predictable.
Trai Hume's versatility on both flanks has been instrumental in this attacking dynamic. Against Chelsea, he began as a wide defender in Sunderland's back five but transitioned into a more advanced role in a 4-3-3 formation when in possession.
When leading in matches, Sunderland tends to press less and adopt a deeper defensive block. In such scenarios, they look to play long balls, effectively maintaining their defensive shape for extended periods due to players capable of advancing the ball upfield, alleviating pressure on the defense. Additionally, Sunderland has capitalized on set-piece opportunities, scoring from well-executed routines during corners, free-kicks, and long throws.
Conclusions
While this analysis separates Sunderland's phases of play into distinct sections, Le Bris emphasizes the importance of linking these phases, encouraging players to perceive the system as a cohesive whole rather than isolated components.
When Sunderland possesses the ball, they remain cognizant of their defensive responsibilities, ensuring players are ready to cover in case of turnover. Their direct play is designed to keep the team compact, minimizing spaces between defense, midfield, and attack to enhance defensive readiness.
This analysis clearly illustrates that Sunderland is both balanced and well-drilled. They possess solutions to various challenges and transition between different tactical setups seamlessly, whether defending with a back four or five, pressing high or sitting deep, and whether playing possession-based football or attacking directly.
Their current position in the league table reflects the quality they have demonstrated throughout the season.