Sunderland striker Marc McNulty got his season up and running with a goal in the EFL Cup win against Accrington Stanley this weekend, then delivered his verdict on Jack Ross' system change.

As reported by the Sunderland Echo, McNulty revealed that only part of the team's success is reliant on the system, the rest is up to the players.

Ross has set his side up to play three at the back in the opening two matches, resulting in a pair of 1-1 draws. He went back to a flat back four against Stanley and reaped the rewards, winning 3-1.

Former Coventry striker McNulty believes that is as much down to the players as the tactics they're given.

“Systems can make a difference but at the end of the day it's down to the players on the pitch,” he admitted.

“The manager can do all the tactics and formation work he wants but if we as players don't perform then it's down to us, it's not down to the manager.

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“Sometimes it helps, sometimes it doesn't, but we just need to make sure that when we cross that line we take on board everything the manager says and perform."

McNulty also confessed that he prefers playing with a striker in behind him, but that any decisions the manager makes will be with all of the team in mind, not just him.

“For me personally, I just like playing with people in behind me. I think to get the best out of me I need players close to me.

“So it's obviously up to the manager then how he wants to set-up, and it's not just getting the best out of me - it's for the team."

Sunderland face their biggest test of the season so far this weekend as they play host to Portsmouth, the side they battled for promotion with all last season.

The two sides met five times, twice in the league, twice in the play-off semi-finals as well as in the EFL Trophy final at Wembley.

The Verdict

McNulty's admission that the tactics have to suit the team is honest, but does it also hint at him not being happy in the first two matches?

He certainly looked livelier against Accrington with a bit of support and despite his words of acceptance about the whole team, the manager has to get the best out of his forwards.

Arguably, he didn't do that last season and as a result, paid the penalty in the latter stages. With an embarrassment of riches going forward, it makes sense to pair two players for maximum effect.