Sunderland’s current plight is the worst crisis Martin O’Neill has had to face in an otherwise successful managerial career.
The Black Cats currently sit 17th, just one point above the relegation zone with only two wins in their last 10 matches.
The lack of goals has been a major issue for the team with only 13 netted in 14 Premier League games – including a meagre five at home.
Overall the North-East club have attempted just 9.64 shots per match – less than the rest of the bottom six.
Recent performances have dented the optimism at the start of this season.
Busy Summer
Sunderland had endured a poor start to 2011-12 until Martin O’Neill took over this time last year.
But the former Celtic boss turned the clubs fortunes around in the initial phase after his appointment which was enough to secure 13th place in the Premier League.
A busy summer in the transfer market saw a number of big-money acquisitions such as striker Steven Fletcher (€17 million) and winger Adam Johnson (€15 million) which suggested that the Black Cats would be vying for a top half finish.
But the dream has not become reality with a number of supposed star performers not up to scratch.
This is not helped by performances on the flank which should be the Wearsiders’ main source of creativity where talent such as Adam Johnson and James McClean patrols.
But the Black Cats have only had 9.86 crosses per match, down from 10.5 in 2011-12. In the bottom six, only Aston Villa and QPR have made fewer crosses.
One of last season’s emerging talents McClean has regressed this term, although recent controversies may have affected his form and his confidence must have been undermined by his treatment in the Ireland set up.
He has put in only 1.57 crosses this term, in comparison to 2.91 last season.
England international Johnson has also not lived up to his reputation, making very little impact in the final third.
Shining Light
With little ammunition from the wing, the emphasis should be on Stephane Sessegnon to provide creativity, tucked in behind Steven Fletcher.
But the Benin international has failed to spark on a consistent basis with only one assist this season.
Up front Steven Fletcher has been the one shining light in the team with six league goals but he picked up an ankle injury during last weekend’s defeat at Norwich.
That could keep him out of the today’s home clash against Chelsea.
But Sunderland have not played to the Scotsman’s strengths. Fletcher scored the most headed goals while at Wolves last season.
But this term he is yet to score with his head due to the paucity of crosses.
This lack of creativity has contributed to the number draws that have littered Sunderland’s season so far, making up half of their 14 games.
