Dan Neil says that Sunderland’s last four games have been difficult, with the club playing four games in ten days.
Michael Beale’s side defeated Preston 2-0 at the Stadium of Light, with Alex Pritchard and Nazariy Rusyn scoring in the first half.
“It’s obviously a tough period on the legs, as well as mentally trying to get yourself right for a game just two days after the last game,” he remarked. “The holiday season has always been like this, and we are always prepared that it will be difficult, especially on the legs.”
“I think the lads’ effort and togetherness over the last four games have been absolutely incredible.” We have seven points from the last three games, which is a fantastic response to the Coventry defeat. We stuck together and got through this difficult time.”
Rusyn’s goal was his first for Sunderland since joining from Ukrainian club Zorya Luhansk in the summer, and Pritchard was voted Sky Sports’ man of the match. “I’m over the moon for Naz,” Neil said. We all wanted a striker to break out this season, and he has done just that.
“With Pritch, he makes a huge impact whether he comes in off the bench or from the start.” I believe you watched that today and thought he was great coming in from the right side. We made a slight change in terms of where we rolled in from, and I felt Pritch did an excellent job.
“It’s a fantastic start to 2024.” We needed to adjust our approach in the second half since our legs were exhausted. We were ahead 2-0 and really wanted them to come on. The second half wasn’t nice, but we finished the job.”
Sunderland will now have just under a week to prepare for Saturday’s third-round FA Cup encounter at the Stadium of Light against Newcastle.
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