BBC pundit and former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini has highlighted two factors behind the Black Cats’ recent upturn in form.

Sunderland are finishing a very mixed 2023/24 campaign in a decent vein of form.

The Black Cats have now lost just one of their last six after winning 1-0 away at West Brom over the weekend, courtesy of a well-taken Pierre Ekwah goal.

Before that, Mike Dodds oversaw a very positive 0-0 draw vs Leeds United, with Sunderland recently forging a strong defensive record.

Sunderland have kept five clean sheets in their last six games now.

Mike Dodds changes Sunderland formation

For the last few games now, Sunderland have lined up with a back-five, playing a 5-2-2-1 formation.

It’s a change from the usual 4-2-3-1 which was working earlier in the season under Tony Mowbray.

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But a change in shape was certainly needed and it looks like Dodds is steadily getting the best out of this Sunderland side, who sit in 13th place of the Championship table.

And commenting on the recent upturn in form, Gabbiadini revealed two key factors, saying on Total Sport:

“It’s a strange thing to say, but I think the centre-forwards made a difference because we’ve actually got an out ball at the moment. We’ve actually got somebody we can play the ball up to, and there’s a good chance that he’ll do something with it, and be in a position to receive it.”

Gabbiadini added:

“They’ve had a bit of a change in formation as well.”

Jobe Bellingham new role under Mike Dodds

The Sunderland no.9 position has been a contested one since their return to the Championship in 2022.

But in the last few games now, Jobe Bellingham has started as the lone striker, and he’s been a huge upgrade on the likes of Luis Hemir.

Hemir in particular was drawing criticism for a lack of energy and work-rate up top whereas Bellingham provides great energy.

Like Gabbiadini says, Bellingham gives Sunderland a decent out ball when they need it, as they know Bellingham will put in the yards and also provide that bit of quality as well.

The 18-year-old has scored seven goals in 42 Championship outings this season.

Sunderland next boss will need Mike Dodds expertise

It’s not been an easy ride for Dodds in what is his third spell as interim boss.

But he’s steadily getting a tune out of these players and looks set to stay with the club next season, and for the next Sunderland manager, he’ll be a key focal point.

Dodds knows these players, arguably better than anyone at the club right now.

And he’s also showing a great tactical side to his coaching credentials too with this change in shape and changes like putting Bellingham up front proving effective.

The change in shape has certainly given Sunderland more defensive ability, with the two advancing wing-backs Callum Styles and Timothee Pembele making the Black Cats more aggressive going forward.

Sunderland now have three games left, with a visit from Millwall coming up on Saturday.