Regis Le Bris was blessed with the return of a handful of key players for the game against West Brom, but one let him down.
Sunderland could only manage a 0-0 draw against the Baggies at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday night, and it was another frustrating night in front of goal for the Black Cats.
After being without the likes of Jobe Bellingham, Trai Hume, and Patrick Roberts for the trip to Millwall at the weekend, it made sense that Regis Le Bris was quick to get the trio back in his starting lineup in midweek.
However, Roberts struggled on his return to the Sunderland side, and his inclusion was something former Sunderland ace Danny Collins questioned prior to kick-off.
Patrick Roberts needs to work on his end product
Speaking on Total Sport North East before the game, Collins was asked about the lineup and suggested Roberts needs to show marked improvement when it comes to his end product.
“In terms of Patrick [Roberts], I know you mentioned it’s a given, but I thought [Eliezer] Mayenda was good in the first half against Millwall. On his day, Patrick is excellent, a joy to watch, but his numbers aren’t stacking up, he’s got to produce more,” Collins said.
“How many times have we seen him come in on his favoured left foot and then blaze one over the crossbar or he can’t find the final pass? He’s got to start chalking up those numbers,” he added.
| Statistics | Patrick Roberts vs WBA |
|---|---|
| xG | 0.31 |
| Key passes | 2 |
| Passing accuracy | 95% |
| Crossing accuracy | 44.4% |
| Shots off target | 2 |
| Dribble success | 20% |
| Possession lost | 17 |
| Duels won | 53% |
Indeed, Roberts’ numbers don’t make for pleasant reading on the night, with a number of poor crosses and the winger failing to beat his man down the wing.
- READ MORE: Sunderland squad must ‘improve’ on one thing ahead of West Brom clash warns Regis Le Bris
Eliezer Mayenda should start against Sheffield United
Collins suggested before the game that Eliezer Mayenda should have started against West Brom, and he may have had a point.
Mayenda sent a strong message to Le Bris after his display against Millwall at the weekend, but had to settle for a place on the bench against the Baggies.
The youngster did make it onto the pitch later in the game, but was used on the left wing, where he struggled to make any kind of impact.
It would be a big call to drop Roberts for the Sheffield United game on Friday night, but Mayenda has earned his chance based on the performances of the last week. Now, we have to wait and see if Le Bris is brave enough to make that decision.