Sunderland got their season up and running this week with a first win against Accrington Stanley in the EFL Cup.

After two draws in their opening league fixtures, the Black Cats needed a lift and they got just that.

We turn to FLW’s Gary Hutchinson to find out all about it in this FLW Six Point Opinion...

Why was it so important?

“Sunderland’s start to the season could be described as tepid at best.

“They were heavily criticised by their own supporters last season for failing to turn draws into wins. They only lost five matches last season, fewer than all of the teams above them including champions Luton Town.

“They drew 19 and that form seemed to have been continuing this season. An unbeaten start isn’t that bad, but the fans expect more. Discontent was already growing before the cup tie and the win perhaps silences that, for now”

How did they secure the victory?

“In the end, it looked comfortable. Marc McNulty opened the scoring but for an hour it wasn’t a great game. Connor McLaughlin continued his tough start to the season by giving away a penalty, which Colby Bishop duly gobbled up.

“Cometh the hour, cometh the man, or in this case ‘men’. Aiden McGeady came off the bench to restore the lead, before Charlie Wyke entered the fray and added a late third.

“That gave the 3-1 scoreline some gloss.”

What changed from the league matches?

“Ross changed the tactics and made some personnel changes too. It’s going to be hard to go back to his three at the back formation now, they played that in the opening two fixtures and were poor.

“They went back to four at the back with Alim Öztürk partnering Jordan Willis; that looked solid enough. The two up top certainly worked well, Marc McNulty looked a constant danger with back up around him.”

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Anything to worry about despite the win?

“They still have to worry about the left back position. McLaughlin played there against Stanley, but he didn’t impress. Denver Hume hasn’t looked comfortable playing as a wing back in front of the three-man defence either.

“There is also the question of an over-reliance on McGeady. He sparked this win, coming on to add some quality to proceedings. Lynden Gooch and Chris Maguire started on the flanks, but neither are capable of repeating McGeady’s form on a long-term basis.

“I suppose the fact McNulty and Wyke scored is a worry too; mainly for Will Grigg. He’s in serious danger of becoming a flop for the Mackems.”

What is up next for the Black Cats?

“This weekend is a huge test as Portsmouth visit the Stadium of Light. Anything less than a win there will have the fans restless once again.

“They’ve then got Rochdale and Wimbledon in the league; supporters will be expecting six points and nothing less.”

How important was the victory?

“I’m not sure it was important in the strictest sense. Sure, a win is a win, but it didn’t result in league points and with Premier League Burnley the second round opponents, they’re unlikely to go on a run.

“It was important to Jack Ross though; failure to advance would have heaped even more pressure on him. It was a chance to look at a few fringe players and those that came in did give him plenty to think about.

“They must use it as a springboard to go on a run, then it will have been hugely important, but if they go into the Burnley game on anything less than eight points then it really won’t matter at all.”