Sunderland lost 1-0 at home to Millwall in the Championship on Saturday.
Sunderland had the wind taken out their sails on Saturday afternoon, losing 1-0 at home to Millwall.
It’s a win that keeps the Lions in the Championship for anther season, but a defeat for Sunderland that keeps them lingering in the midtable region.
Mike Dodds‘ side remain in 13th after that defeat.
The Black Cats saw a three-game unbeaten run come to an end at the Stadium of Light on Saturday and have now won just one of their last five.
Sunderland players struggle in defeat against Millwall
As both individuals and a team, Sunderland really struggled against Millwall.
It was a very bland and negative performance with the likes of Jack Clarke having one of his worst games of the season, as well as Pierre Ekwah and Bradley Dack failing to impress.
Chris Rigg had a good game, though; the 16-year-old has now started the last four games for Sunderland, with 19 Championship appearances to his name this season.
Another who impressed on Saturday was defender Aji Alese.
Aji Alese shines despite defeat vs Millwall
Alese, 23, made his first start since January this weekend.
The defender, who signed a new contract with Sunderland recently, played on the left of three centre-backs, pairing Dan Ballard and Luke O’Nien in the middle of a back-five.
The Englishman has made a string of substitute appearances in the last few games after returning from his injury.
Sunderland Echo gave him a rating of 7/10 vs Millwall, with Phil Smith writing:
“Lost possession in the build up to Millwall’s goal but otherwise a very encouraging performance. Made some strong tackles, was good in the air and got forward well at times. Looks in good order.”
As per Sofascore, Alese made 4 defensive actions (more than any Sunderland player, with 2 clearances, 1 interception, and 1 tackle), with 75 touches of the ball and 51 passes with 93% passing accuracy (joint-third highest on the pitch).
A nice headache for the next Sunderland manager
At times this season, Sunderland have only had one fit centre-back in Ballard, with O’Nien not really a centre-back.
He’s a midfielder by trade but has played at the back almost all season, doing well for the most part but being no stranger to poor games.
There have been some groanings about O’Nien’s performances at centre-back, but Alese returning to the fold, and ahead of next season too, bodes well for whoever the next Sunderland manager is.
The Black Cats also have Trai Hume who can operate efficiently as one of three centre-backs.
Not only does Alese’s return boost defensive numbers, but it could also see O’Nien freed up to be used as a midfielder next time round.
So Sunderland shortening their injury list and getting players back up and running is certainly good news all round.
But the defeat and performance vs Millwall certainly wasn’t good viewing, and it definitely takes the shine off this recent positivity around the performances.
Up next for the Black Cats is a trip to Watford next weekend.