WHAT WE LEARNED: Sutton United (2) Swindon (1)

Swindon Town conceded two goals in the final ten minutes against Sutton United to condemn them to three straight defeats to begin the Jody Morris era. Total Sport’s Joe Acklam looks at what lessons can be learned from the match.

Here are the lessons we learned from Swindon’s 2-1 defeat in South London.

1. Jody Morris needs to find a way to impact games with his substitutions.

There is a caveat to this one that the Town squad has been depleted through a raft of injuries and suspensions leaving Morris’ options slim, but this is a clear area for improvement. Swindon were already a goal behind before Morris made a change against Newport County and Doncaster Rovers, despite Swindon clearly needing an extra impetus. Then against Sutton he was unable to turn the tide with his changes as Swindon began to tire and a second half aerial barrage continued. Gavin Gunning proved in his two games in charge that early and decisive changes could make a real difference, but we are yet to see Morris be able to impact a game after the whistle blows.

2. Swindon have a mentality issue.

In three of the last four games Swindon have conceded two goals scored within four minutes of each other to completely turn the game. Without being part of the team it is tough to know what the exact cause of this is, although most will turn to experience and it is likely this plays a role. Marcel Lavinier told us before Morris took the job that he will bring a ruthless mentality to Swindon and he needs to do it quickly as right now they have the opposite mentality and it is making any sort of promotion push a long shot.

3. A back three probably suits Swindon best at this point in time.

Obviously a defeat makes this seem like it is not the case and Swindon fans have not been on board with this system all season, but it makes sense. Town are short of options in forward areas with a mix of injuries and suspensions to Jonny Williams, Rushian Hepburn-Murphy, and Tyrese Shade, in addition to Jacob Wakeling’s poor form, fielding a forward line of three or four players is tricky. Both goals of the Morris era have come from Ellis Iandolo and Frazer Blake-Tracy linking up down the left, and this system allows Blake-Tracy to make those forward runs he is so effective at making without leaving space at the back, as well as reducing Iandolo’s defensive responsibilities. Hutton is more than capable as a wing-back and with Saidou Khan and Dylan Kadji, Swindon have midfielders with the ability to make driving runs required to operate in a 352. It came unstuck late on against Sutton, but this does feel like one thing that can be moved forward with.

4. The early signs are positive around George McEachran.

Given McEachran’s last appearance of any kind came 312 days before this one against Manchester United under-23s, this was a promising start. Being thrust straight into the starting line-up was a big call, but he showed the quality that saw him be so highly thought of in the youth set-ups at both Chelsea and England. He used the ball well and his left footed delivery looks like it could become a real weapon as he becomes accustomed to his surroundings. You would expect he can only get better as his match fitness improves.