It’s been a rough start to the season for Sunderland AFC. After six matches, the Black Cats sit in 17th place with five draws and and a loss. While they’ve been solid defensively, only allowing six goals, third fewest in the Premier League, offensively they can’t seem to get things going. In their last three matches, Sunderland only scored one goal, which came off the foot of U.S. Men’s National Team forward Jozy Altidore in a 2-1 loss to Stoke City in the Capital One Cup. Altidore’s goal was the first of the season and ended his 30-game scoreless streak.
In their recent away match against Burnley, the Black Cats were able to hold off a quick start and turn the momentum in the second half en route to a goalless draw. Keepers from both sides were tested—Burnley keeper Tom Heaton made a nice save early on as Giaccherini struck it from deep, while Vito Mannone produced crucial save himself denying David Jones from 12 yards out. Sunderland had a chance to pull it out in extra-time with a 30-yard free-kick from Van Aanholt, but Heaton full stretched out for the ball and just tipped it over the back of the cross bar.
Last weekend Sunderland and Swansea City also finished scoreless. There was a very different feel than against Burnley as the Black Cats dominated most of the game. Sunderland generated 10 corners to just one for Swansea City and ended up getting off 15 shots. While the final result wasn’t what the Black Cats were looking for, the sheer number of offensive opportunities were encouraging.
