After three underwhelming displays from the Chelsea Loanee, many Sunderland fans were starting to question the youngster, but after a positive outing yesterday, can Mason Burstow now kick on?
In the build up to the Sheff Weds game, many fans were questioning whether it was time Burstow got dropped, allowing Luis Hemir or Nazariy Rusyn an opportunity from the start. However, Mowbray showed faith in Burstow, naming just one change from our frustrating defeat to Cardiff City last weekend, seeing Patrick Roberts replacing Abdoullah Ba, which you could say is quite harsh on the Frenchman who has certainly seen improvements to his game in recent weeks.
As things got underway, we of course got off to a great start with two early goals and Burstow a key part in the build up to our second. Picking the ball up inside his own half, he spotted Clarke making a run down the left, producing a fantastic diagonal pass over the top of the Wednesday defence.
Burstow was also involved in the third goal, receiving the ball of Trai Hume, he spun Diaby, who then brought him down leading to a Sunderland penalty.
It was not just his involvement in the goals that impressed me though. Throughout I thought his hold up play was excellent. I was also really impressed with his movement, constantly dragging defenders away and being an utter nuisance for the Sheffield Wednesday defenders to deal with.
At the minute the only real thing Burstow is lacking is that goal, something as Sunderland fans we seem to repeat about every Striker we bring in. He seemed to be getting into the right areas this week, with a chance in the first half seeing a Pritchard pass fall slightly behind him, with his shot going comfortably wide. In the second half, he found himself in space when Patrick Roberts rounded the goalkeeper, only for his off-balance pass to find a blue and white shirt instead.
He was replaced though in the 77th minute by Nazariy Rusyn, which was likely Mowbray having one eye on Watford next Wednesday.
It was extremely positive to see Burstow play so well yesterday, with Hemir, Rusyn and soon Mayenda, all coming to compete for his spot, he will know he needs to start scoring the goals sooner rather than later. However, after that performance, I would like to hope its only a matter of time before he opens his account on Wearside.
