Sunderland dominated Shrewsbury at the weekend, but despite sixteen attempts at goal, they failed to muster a reply to Jason Cummings first-half strike.
A frustrating afternoon for the Black Cats saw them rattle the woodwork three times and come close on several other occasions without finding the back of the Shrews net.
New manager Phil Parkinson must have been in confident mood before kick-off after his team put five past Tranmere in midweek at the Stadium of Light, but he was left disappointed after watching his new side control possession without finding the killer touch in the face of a deep-lying, resolute Shrewsbury defence.
However, speaking to the club’s official website after the game, the former Bolton boss remained upbeat and confident he had seen enough from his team’s performance to suggest a winning run of games was not too far away. He said: ‘We have totally dominated the game and the one attempt from them has resulted in a goal.’
‘We have hit the bar and post three times; we have had balls flash across the six-yard box and had some great chances not just to draw the game but win it.’
‘In terms of the way we wanted to set out I couldn’t have asked for anymore but as everyone knows it’s all about sticking the ball in the back of the net.’
‘We have completely dominated the game – if we keep playing like that, then we are going to win a hell of a lot of games at this level.’
After the criticism of Parkinson’s predecessor Jack Ross for his negative tactics and uninspiring press conferences, you would imagine Parkinson’s positivity would have gone down well with Sunderland fans, and while it is true some did welcome his comments when they reacted on social media, others were not so impressed.
Many feel that Sunderland should be beating sides like Shrewsbury with the budget and the quality of players they have at their disposal, and while fans generally refrained from giving Parkinson stick for his statement, it is clear he will need to quickly turn his positive words into a string of positive results if he is to keep sections of the Lads fanbase onside.
Here is a selection of responses to Parkinson’s positive post-match comments on Twitter.
When did we get a comedian as a manager is he for real keep playing like that it is fine having most of the play but if you do nowt with the ball in the final 3rd then you get nowt out of the game especially with our defensive record Mr Pearson think you need to see it how we do.
— GazzaDJ (@gazza_dj) October 27, 2019
At this level 😳 yes it’s the 3rd Division! Most spent, biggest squad, biggest wage bill, best training facilities yet these players aren’t good enough even to be in a play off position.
— Winston Hill (@WinstonHill17) October 27, 2019
Well we did just lose to Shrewsbury playing like that so i'm not too sure.
— SDGreens (@Spendinh03) October 27, 2019
We've just got to give it time and see how it evolves. We will be ready when we are ready and not before!!
Our time will come!!
— George the 3rd (@Georgesparents) October 27, 2019
Great to have some positivity! That’s what the lads need!
— emma amos (@elaa2383) October 27, 2019
Going to win a lot of games. But not this one
— Ian Chambers (@IanCham46024431) October 27, 2019
They had 1 chance all game, we could of had 3/4 goals, thats what hes saying
— Michael Kelly (@KezzaSAFC) October 27, 2019
Just have to hope he's got his eye on a prolific finisher for us in January that's when we'll win a lot more!
— Col (@ColArmstrong) October 27, 2019
Attacking is fine, if we convert our chances
— Batbrown 🦇 (@brownh1989) October 27, 2019
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