Sunderland drew 0-0 with Bristol City in the Championship on Saturday.
Sunderland were back at the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon, hosting Bristol City.
The Black Cats needed a reply after their 5-1 humiliation to Blackburn Rovers on Easter Monday, and Mike Dodds delivered.
Sunderland started strongly, looking considerably more hungry and determined than they did against Blackburn.
They had chances to take the lead in the first half, and Jack Clarke should have taken one of them on his return to the XI.
Pierre Ekwah was another highlight in the first half, albeit the Black Cats slowed slightly after the intermission.
The second half wasn’t as entertaining. However, following the Blackburn defeat, Sunderland and Dodds will undoubtedly take a point and a clean sheet.
Dodds’ team selections, tactics, and substitutions have all come under scrutiny in recent weeks.
Dodds was questioned last time out against Blackburn for sending Clarke on at 4-0 down in the second half, and there were a few surprises in his Bristol City decision.
Abdoullah Ba was left out of the matchday squad entirely.
The Frenchman has definitely been a divisive figure in recent weeks, but starting Luis Hemir and Mason Burstow on the bench in place of Ba, unless he is injured, is problematic.
Journalist James Copley also emphasised Tom Watson’s omission from the team.
The 17-year-old has been attracting attention at the Academy of Light, and there are mounting calls to elevate the Clarke-like winger.
Although Dodds has stated that he will not experiment with this Sunderland squad in the last weeks of the season, it could benefit the team.
A new manager will be appointed over the summer, and they will take the time to evaluate each player.
However, if Dodds can add a few more players, particularly Watson, as well as some of the club’s other rising talents, the future manager will have more to deal with.
Sunderland will undoubtedly aim to promote more youth players next season after their success with Chris Rigg.
And Watson clearly appears to be another rising star, and as Copley points out, there isn’t much more he can do to get into contention.
It’s ultimately up to Dodds, though he appears to be more concerned with results during this rough patch of form.
With little to play for, giving Watson a few minutes would not be the worst idea.
According to recent reports, Paul Heckingbottom is Sunderland’s top target this summer, and the former Sheffield United manager is expected to accept the post if offered.
Jermain Defoe, a former Sunderland striker, has shown an interest in the post, but fans do not seem to be enthusiastic on the seasoned Defoe assuming the reins.
Sunderland travel to Leeds United on Tuesday.
