Sunderland struggled against AFC Wimbledon with their long-ball tactics last week.
Sunderland continued their unbeaten start to life League One last weekend with a 2-1 win over Neal Ardley’s AFC Wimbledon.
However, Jack Ross’s side’s performance was nowhere near as good as their previous showings, with the hosts causing all sorts of problems throughout.
Many of Sunderland’s struggles at Kingsmeadow last Saturday came because of AFC Wimbledon’s physical threat, and the Black Cats’ struggles proved they should consider fielding taller players in future games.
Sunderland had an average height of five feet and eight inches across their starting line-up last weekend and that certainly showed early on.
Joe Pigott’s goal was a clear indication of Sunderland’s weak spot, when the talisman headed home from a set piece early in the game.
Other sides across the third tier will have made note of the Black Cats’ inability to defend against set pieces and, similar to last season in the Championship, Sunderland could find themselves physically bullied out of matches.
An evident feature of the game was the in-form Josh Maja’s lack of time on the ball, with the 19-year-old shut out of the game for the 90 minutes.
New signing Charlie Wyke could fill that void as a hold-up striker, especially away from home when Sunderland are likely to see less than the ball, as well as midfielder Dylan McGeouch, who is taller than most of Sunderland’s midfield.
It was only Wimbledon’s tired legs that allowed Sunderland the opportunity to win the game and future games may not be the same, so the Wearside team must match their opponents by fielding a bigger and more physical side when required.
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