VIDEO: How selection changes helped Sunderland start the New Year brightly

Sunderland started 2024 with a brilliantly efficient win over Preston, but how did they do it?

Preston visited Sunderland for the first game of 2024 with manager Ryan Lowe on a poor run of three losses in four games. They were desperate for three points and it seemed unlikely they would sit back.

Lowe’s side top the charts in interceptions and are second in winning aerial duels, not our strong point, but they lacked a threat up top lying nearly bottom of the division in XG and shots on targets. 

So it all looked like Michael Beale had another excellent chance to claim three points having passed it up against Rotherham.

With Niall Huggins a new long-term injury victim and Dennis Cirkin still suffering from a hamstring issue, it was a welcome sight to see Aje Alese back in the starting line-up having been out since the play-off second leg away to Luton last season. 

Alex Pritchard also returned from illness to start, but questions were raised at kick-off about whether he was in the number ten role o playing as a nominal right winger. 

We should not have worried though, Pritchard had a licence to roam. Michael Beale obviously understood the creative qualities Pritch offers Sunderland and we saw him frequently confuse the Preston defence by sometimes hugging the touchline and sometimes drifting inside. 

Beale also selected a striker, which was a welcome departure from the Hull City game where Beale played all his midfielders off the bench instead  

So, let’s take a look at the impact and change in shape and tactics that Michael Beale is starting to have over this Sunderland team and just how an impressive Dan Neil, Aje Alese and Pierre Ekwah all contributed to a solid and convincing win over Preston North End. Watch the video below to unpack a very decent day for Sunderland.