Rochdale fell to a 3-0 defeat in a one-sided game against Sunderland.

It was a slow start from Brian Barry-Murphy's side which ultimately proved costly against the Wearsiders.

The League One strugglers found themselves 3-0 down in just over 30 minutes after a brace from Lynden Gooch and an own goal from Eoghan O’Connell.

While Brian Barry-Murphy’s side still have a significant buffer on the drop zone, they’ll certainly be hoping to bounce back in their next fixtures.

But what did we learn about Rochdale?

An endearing naivety

Rochdale may have gone 3-0 down within half an hour, but it’s hard to sympathise too much.

A lot of the Dale’s struggled were of their own making as they persisted with playing out from the back – something which attracted relentless pressure from the hosts.

Having a philosophy is admirable but when it’s blatantly not working it’s essential to make a change.

Leaving the flanks exposed

It was a clear weakness in their tactical plan and Sunderland certainly exploited it.

Playing a 4-4-2 diamond, Rochdale left huge spaces down the flanks for Luke O’Nien and Denver Hume to operate in – something which contributed to all three goals.

They seemed to rectify it in the second half but by then it was far too late.

A much-improved second period

Henderson signs new Rochdale contract

Despite being blown out of the water in the first period, Rochdale certainly rallied in the second.

They weren’t able to create much in the way of chances but they did adapt and stop the home side turning a comfortable victory into a rout.

Rochdale will face easier games this term and the main focus now must be to bounce back as soon as possible.