Sunderland battled for a long time against Fleetwood and their efforts were finally rewarded when Max Power struck an equaliser in the dying moments of added-on time.
Indeed, the team showed great spirit and determination to claw back a point that maintains the gap to second-place Coventry, and some supporters were pleased with what could prove to be a very important draw. Still, there has been a mixed reaction from other sections of the support, as although the Black Cats were playing against in-form opponents, they underperformed for large parts of the match given how long they trailed for, and some fans identified a problem in the team.
It relates to a lack of goals, or rather a lack of creativity. Chris Maguire has been on top form recently, contributing four assists over the last seven games, but when the opposition mark him out of the game, Sunderland don’t have many back-ups to call upon. With the Scotsman banking 9 assists thus far, Denver Hume is the only other player to get more than two, with the 23-year-old on three.
That was the case on Tuesday as Sunderland’s wingers failed to influence proceedings given that Hume was the only winger to attempt a dribble (per WhoScored) and, if the same occurs on Sunday, then the north-east outfit may be unable to overcome their promotion rivals Coventry.
Here is what some fans are saying in their analysis of the game against Fleetwood.
Defo paper over the cracks we are desperate for a proper striker a lot of tired legs out there last night but that said a massive well done for sticking at it just rewards for a lot of effort that was put in
— mark (@mark29306167) February 26, 2020
What worried me was that Fleetwood recognised that, as neither of our wingbacks can cross a ball, without Gooch and Maguire we’ve got very little creativity. Gooch was hounded by three players whenever he touched the ball. They marked him out of the game. It’s an Achilles heel
— Medina (@bungle__bee) February 26, 2020
The squad is 99% there in terms of personnel. We lack a prolific goal scorer in the mould of Wyke
— Steve Parkinson 🇬🇧 (@SteveP1986) February 27, 2020
Didn’t play great but got something from the game maybe look to fresh it up this weekend
— Josh Gibson (@JoshGib76204214) February 26, 2020
Paper over what cracks? We’ve played very well lately but after a poor start last night, deservedly got the equaliser. Fleetwood’s own fault for constantly timewasting. Top 2 is still very much on at this stage
— G.crighton@yahoo.co.uk (@Gcrightonyahoo2) February 26, 2020
Significant goal. Fleetwood were very well organised at the back. Great substitutions. Dunc’s assist was class too. Priceless.
— MrWishyWashy ☕️ 🤦🏻♂️🛎🔚🎸 (@MrWishyWashy) February 26, 2020
What did you make of the performance against the Cod Army Sunderland fans? Did the late goal make up for the performance or does the team need to show a lot more against Coventry? Let us know…
